MedLink Data Analysis  |  2024–2025

THE MEDICAL RISKS RELATING TO In-Flight Turbulence

By Dr. Justin Devlin & Dr. Paulo Alves  ·  MedAire Aviation Medicine

Following increasing numbers of turbulence-related Crew Support cases, including fractures, head injuries, and hospital admissions, Dr. Justin Devlin, Medical Director of Aviation Assistance, and Dr. Paulo Alves, Global Medical Director of Aviation Health, began investigating whether MedLink's in-flight data reflected the same pattern.

Their initial comparison of 2019 and 2023 data identified a statistically significant increase in turbulence-related calls. The 2024–2025 dataset presented here, covering 102,365 cases and 832 identified Turbulence-Related Events (TREs), extends and deepens that picture.

The data shows that turbulence-related events increased as a share of MedLink cases between 2024 and 2025, with different clinical patterns for passengers and cabin crew. 

In Summary

Key Findings from the 2024–2025 MedLink Turbulence Analysis

Year-Over-Year Turbulence-Related Events

Cabin Crew and Passengers Show Different Medical Patterns

Turbulence affects passengers and cabin crew differently because their exposure in the cabin is different. In 2024, MedAire recorded 94 cabin crew TRE cases and 243 passenger TRE cases. In 2025, cabin crew TRE cases were 97, while passenger TRE cases increased to 496.

The diagnostic data makes the distinction clear. Cabin crew may be standing, moving through the aisle, conducting service, handling equipment, or carrying hot liquids when turbulence occurs. Passengers are more likely to be seated, and when belted, are less exposed to fall and impact injuries.

Route and Hemisphere Patterns

Inter-hemispheric routes had the highest TRE rate at 1.19%. Northern Hemisphere routes recorded a rate of 0.81%, and Southern Hemisphere routes 0.54%. Route profile is a useful factor when reviewing turbulence-related medical exposure, particularly for long-haul operations.

When During the Flight Are TREs Reported?

The analysis compared cases by flight progression. TREs were most concentrated around the midpoint of the flight, with the highest turbulence proportion in the 50%–60% flight-completion band at 17.5%, compared to 14.5% for non-turbulence cases in the same band.

Aircraft Family and Turbulence Rate

The 2025 aircraft family analysis showed variation in TRE rates across aircraft types. Wide-body aircraft on long-haul routes show higher rates. These findings should be interpreted carefully — the rate likely reflects route type and flight duration rather than aircraft-specific characteristics, but the breakdown is useful for reviewing exposure across your fleet.

Flight Level Distribution

In the 2025 flight-level analysis, the highest TRE rates occurred between FL200 and FL300. The FL200–250 band recorded a rate of 1.4%, and FL250–300 at 1.3%. Rates were lower at FL350–400, at 0.8%. Cruise transition altitudes, where aircraft movement and crew activity often coincide, show a higher concentration of reportable events.

Seasonality in the Northern Hemisphere

The Northern Hemisphere data shows modest seasonal variation. Fall had the highest turbulence rate at 0.84%, followed by spring at 0.83%, winter at 0.81%, and summer at 0.77%. The variation is not large, but it gives operators another lens for reviewing seasonal preparedness and recurrent training schedules.

Crew Support: Location of Event

Of all crew support cases logged across all locations, turbulence-related events on the aircraft account for 6%. Hotels account for 16%, other unspecified locations for 16%, with airports and ground transportation each at 5%. Turbulence events generate medical and welfare needs that extend well beyond landing.

What MedAire Has Changed

The analysis has already informed MedLink process improvements. MedLink added a specific turbulence checkbox and now includes proactive screening for multiple injuries or additional casualties when a turbulence-related event is reported.

That procedural change is important. A turbulence event may involve more than one patient, and initial reports may not capture every affected passenger or crew member. Promptly asking about additional injuries helps support a more complete onboard medical response.

Final Takeaway

Three Practical Points for Aviation Teams

This analysis is based on MedLink data from January 2024 through December 2025, covering cases handled through MedAire's Phoenix and Johannesburg operations centers. It draws on earlier research by Dr. Justin Devlin, Medical Director of Aviation Assistance, and Dr. Paulo Alves, Global Medical Director of Aviation Health, comparing 2019 and 2023 MedLink case data.

Expert Care, Everywhere

Prepared for what happens in the air — and after it.

From the moment a turbulence event is reported to MedLink, through ground coordination for injured passengers and crew, to the support needed in the days that follow — MedAire provides a complete response. For over 40 years, 67% of the world's top commercial airlines have trusted us with that responsibility.