When is the Sydney to Townsville route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the SYD to TSV route?

The SYD–TSV route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include Air China, China Eastern, China Southern.

Is turbulence on SYD to TSV dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SYD–TSV route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my SYD to TSV flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the SYD–TSV route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

SYD to TSV Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Sydney to Townsville flight turbulent?

The SYD–TSV route typically experiences light turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SYD to TSV?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · Boeing 737, that's rows 10–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from SYD to TSV?

The SYD to TSV flight takes approximately 2h 40m, covering 1,051 miles (913 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Sydney to Townsville flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

SYD

→

TSV

Sydney · Townsville · 2h 40m

28.7

Turb Score

2h 40m

Duration

913 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SYD–TSV

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 40m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SYD–TSV route

The Sydney to Townsville route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 35,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by Air China, China Eastern, China Southern on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,051 miles (913 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Sydney to Townsville Flight Time

How long is the flight from SYD to TSV?

2h 40m

Flight Time

1,051 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Sydney (SYD) to Townsville (TSV) flight takes approximately 2h 40m, covering 1,051 miles (913 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Air China, China Eastern, China Southern. Return flights (TSV to SYD) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on SYD–TSV

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm

LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady

ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause

HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly SYD–TSV

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SYD–TSV

Airbus A320

Front

Rows 1–9

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 10–20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

Rougher

Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

Melbourne → Townsville

See all transatlantic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps crossing the Himalayas. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · April

Flew Sydney–Townsville in March, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · March

The 2h 40m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · January

All SYD routes→ All TSV routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sydney to Townsville flight turbulent?

The SYD–TSV route typically experiences light turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 28.7/100.

When is turbulence worst on SYD to TSV?

Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on SYD to TSV?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from SYD to TSV?

The SYD to TSV flight takes approximately 2h 40m, covering 1,051 miles (913 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SYD to TSV?

The main airlines operating this route are Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, flying Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data