How airlines manage flight safety during high winds

Reports suggest that severe turbulence frequency is increasing due to ongoing climate change.

An aircraft's large surface area and tail fin shape make it susceptible to wind forces. The size and shape influence stability in windy conditions; longer aircraft tend to be more stable than shorter ones.

According to the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), each aircraft has maximum wind limits outlined in manuals for safe operation. New technologies help identify and predict weather patterns using past data. This enables flight planners and pilots to better anticipate strong winds or adverse weather impacts on flights.

Training is crucial; pilots undergo intensive training for adverse weather conditions during initial training and regular simulator refresher courses.

Taking off in strong winds can be easier than landing due to engine power and thrust. BALPA explains that techniques vary by aircraft but generally involve predicting how the aircraft will react to wind as speed increases and applying control forces accordingly.

Landing is trickier with crosswinds—winds blowing horizontally across runways—which often require manual landings as autopilot systems struggle with unpredictability. Pilots must ensure wind speeds are within safe operational limits before approach; otherwise, diversion may be necessary.

On the ground, safety measures start before departure. Ground crews may use extra chocks for stability or suspend certain equipment use under extreme conditions due to operational limits.