Emirates Turns to AI to Shake Up In-Flight Turbulence Risk

Emirates is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to address the growing challenge of in-flight turbulence, as climate change continues to make weather patterns more unpredictable and severe. The Dubai-based airline announced that it is working with global partners to leverage AI, machine learning, and real-time turbulence data to enhance flight safety and improve the passenger experience across its global network. According to Emirates, this initiative has already contributed to a notable reduction in unexpected severe turbulence incidents over the past year, underscoring the airline’s progress in adopting advanced technologies to improve operational resilience.

Captain Hassan Alhammadi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at Emirates, said that while turbulence remains an unavoidable element of flying, the airline is committed to minimizing its impact through innovation and collaboration. He noted that Emirates is investing heavily in advanced technology partnerships aimed at predicting and mitigating turbulence. “We recognise that turbulence remains an ongoing challenge that cannot be completely eliminated, but we’re committed to doing everything possible to minimise unexpected severe turbulence encounters through working with partners who share our vision of using advanced technologies and adopting AI to enhance operations,” Alhammadi said. He added that while turbulence-free flights are still a long way off, these AI-driven initiatives have already led to a significant drop in severe turbulence incidents, making journeys safer and more comfortable for passengers.

Emirates has implemented a multi-layered turbulence detection system that integrates three advanced technologies: SkyPath, Lido mPilot, and IATA Turbulence Aware. Together, they form a complementary network that combines AI analytics, pilot feedback, and real-time atmospheric data. Through its partnership with SkyPath, Emirates is developing AI- and machine learning-based weather models that can detect turbulence patterns often missed by traditional systems. SkyPath aggregates real-time data from thousands of aircraft, using Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) and ADS-B transponder inputs, as well as patented iPad accelerometer technology that converts aircraft motion into precise turbulence readings. This provides pilots with actionable, real-time insights to navigate smoother routes and anticipate disturbances before they occur.

The airline’s collaboration with Lufthansa Systems enhances this setup further through the Lido mPilot mobile charting platform, which integrates live weather information from the German Weather Service. This allows Emirates pilots to access real-time cloud, convection, and icing forecasts, alongside turbulence predictions that help flight crews plan routes more accurately and safely. Additionally, Emirates’ participation in the IATA Turbulence Aware programme enables the airline to both contribute to and benefit from a global turbulence data network shared by carriers worldwide. The system aggregates and analyzes live atmospheric data, giving pilots a constantly updated view of turbulence zones, which they can visualize directly through Emirates’ electronic flight bag (EFB) applications. This real-time access enables immediate route adjustments, improving safety, passenger comfort, and overall fuel efficiency.

Emirates’ AI and machine learning ecosystem continuously refines its models to enhance predictive accuracy, even in regions with limited flight data or in cases of clear-air turbulence one of aviation’s most unpredictable and dangerous phenomena. By integrating crowd-sourced data, predictive analytics, and live visualization, Emirates is moving from reactive to proactive turbulence management, reducing risk for both passengers and crew.

The airline said these innovations form part of its broader strategy to strengthen safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability, while aligning with the UAE’s wider push to integrate AI across key sectors. Emirates’ investment in these technologies highlights its commitment to maintaining its reputation for innovation and safety leadership in global aviation, as it continues to pioneer smart, data-driven approaches to one of the industry’s oldest challenges turbulence.