Singapore

Is Singapore Changi Airport turbulent?

Singapore lies in the tropics where thunderstorms develop rapidly, especially during monsoon seasons. In 2025, weather-related diversions increased dramatically, with 55 flights diverted from Changi in just 11 months compared to 9 the prior year. The infamous Singapore Airlines turbulence incident in 2024 killed one passenger over nearby Myanmar, highlighting the region's severe turbulence risks.

• 55 flights diverted from Changi due to weather in 2025 (vs 9 in 2024)
• Singapore Airlines Flight 321 (2024) killed 1, injured 144 from turbulence
• Singapore classified severe turbulence as major in-flight risk in 2025

What made the 2024 Singapore Airlines turbulence so severe?

The Boeing 777 encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar during early monsoon season when storms develop explosively. Convective cells grew from 20,000 to over 50,000 feet in under an hour. Early-stage storms may not appear on radar, making them particularly dangerous. The incident prompted Singapore to establish new aviation meteorological programs.

When is the smoothest time to fly through Singapore?

February through April offers the driest conditions between monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon (May-October) and northeast monsoon (November-January) both bring increased thunderstorm activity. Regardless of season, keep your seatbelt fastened when seated, especially on routes over the Bay of Bengal and Myanmar.