June 6, 2025, 3:03 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A sudden air jolt, jarring seconds—and several injuries: When turbulence shakes an airplane, many passengers panic. However, there are strategies to protect yourself and stay calm.
After severe turbulence on a Ryanair flight that resulted in several injuries, the question arises: What can passengers do to protect themselves in such situations–and how do turbulences occur in the first place?
Overview
Turbulence Over Southern Germany–Several Injured on Ryanair Flight
On Wednesday evening (June 4), a Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan encountered severe turbulence over southern Germany. Eight people on board were injured. The crew decided to make an emergency landing at Memmingen Airport in the Allgäu region–a shocking moment for those affected.
What Travelers Can Do During Turbulence
It’s normal for planes to occasionally jolt, but the risk of injury increases significantly during stronger turbulence. Although pilots receive weather reports before and during the flight, not all air movements are predictable. When turbulence is expected, the seatbelt sign is turned on–but sometimes the warning comes too late. According to BILD, during the Ryanair incident, a woman and her small child were reportedly injured while in the restroom. The police confirmed the injuries.
Experts advise: As soon as the seatbelt sign lights up or the pilot announces turbulence, secure or empty drinks and stow food if possible. Generally, if you don’t need to use the restroom or stretch your legs, it’s best to remain seated with your seatbelt fastened–even if the seatbelt sign has been turned off. This recommendation is also given by the German Aviation Association (BDL).
Techniques for Self-Calming During Anxiety or Panic
When a plane encounters severe turbulence, many passengers react with anxiety or even panic–which can quickly spread in a confined space. Staying calm is essential in such moments, but not always easy. It can be helpful to remember that the flight crew is trained for emergencies and responds calmly. Additionally, there are breathing techniques that can help soothe your nervous system.
A particularly recommended method is the so-called 4-7-8 technique. Steffen Häfner, a specialist in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy, recommends the following approach:
- Inhale slowly through the nose and count to four.
- Hold your breath and count to seven.
- Finally, count to eight while exhaling slowly through the mouth.
Repeating this cycle several times can relieve and calm the nervous system.
How Turbulence Can Occur
Turbulence has various causes. Jet streams–strong winds at altitudes of eight to twelve kilometers, whose intensity varies by season and region–play an important role. Thunderstorm cells are also risk zones: Rising warm and descending cold air masses create strong downdrafts that can cause turbulence. Such weather phenomena are ideally avoided by flying around them.
Another factor: Aircraft flying ahead can leave wake turbulence, which also triggers turbulence. Topography also has an impact–especially over mountain ranges like the Alps, where air disturbances are more frequent. The online portal “Turbli” has analyzed flight routes and shows: Routes over Alpine regions are particularly prone to turbulence in Europe.
Also interesting: These Flight Routes Have the Most Frequent Turbulence
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What you definitely didn’t know about airplanes
Forecast Tool for Air Travelers
Those who want to be better informed in advance can also use the Turbli website. There, a turbulence forecast in English can be accessed–based on the departure and destination airports as well as the planned flight route. A helpful tool for anyone who wants to mentally prepare for bumpy flight segments.
(With material from dpa)