Briefing Leaflet

Turbulence Injury Mitigation

Nov 24, 2025

Abstract

This joint briefing from IFALPA, IATA, and FSF highlights the risk of injuries posed by turbulence and outlines practical steps to mitigate it. Despite advances in forecasting, turbulence remains one the most difficult weather phenomena to predict, with some degree of turbulence present on almost every flight. The paper stresses three pillars of mitigation: turbulence avoidance strategies at flight planning stage, ensuring passengers keep seatbelts fastened at all times while seated, regardless of the illumination of the “fasten seatbelt sign” and effective and timely communication from the flight crew to cabin crew and passengers. Reducing the number of turbulence-related injuries requires coordinated action across operators, regulators, and international aviation organizations.