Ten passengers and crew members were injured after a Cathay Pacific flight travelling from Brisbane to Hong Kong encountered severe turbulence, with one traveller describing the terrifying experience as feeling like “free-falling from a drop tower”.
The incident reportedly happened on Saturday aboard Cathay Pacific Flight 156, around two hours before the aircraft was scheduled to land in Hong Kong.
According to passengers, the plane suddenly lost altitude for several seconds while cabin crew were preparing to serve meals in economy class. The violent shaking reportedly caused panic onboard, with screams erupting throughout the cabin as loose items were thrown into the air.
Cathay Pacific later confirmed that 10 people were injured during the turbulence incident and required hospital treatment after the plane landed safely in Hong Kong.
Passenger Says Plane Suddenly Dropped Mid-Flight
One passenger told local media that the turbulence struck without warning and felt extremely intense.
The traveller compared the sensation to being on an amusement park drop tower ride, saying the aircraft appeared to plunge suddenly for around two seconds.
According to reports, the turbulence occurred just before meals were served, meaning several cabin crew members were likely standing or moving around the aircraft at the time.
The airline confirmed that both passengers and crew members were among those injured. Two Australians were reportedly included among the injured individuals sent to hospital for further medical checks.
Ambulances were also placed on standby at Hong Kong International Airport ahead of the aircraft’s arrival after authorities were informed about the emergency situation onboard.
Turbulence Remains One Of Aviation’s Most Common Risks
Air turbulence occurs when aircraft encounter unstable air movements caused by factors such as storms, jet streams or changing wind conditions.
Aviation experts have long warned that clear air turbulence, which is often invisible to weather radar, can be particularly dangerous because it develops suddenly with little warning.
Unlike turbulence linked to thunderstorms, clear air turbulence can occur even in seemingly calm skies.
Experts say passengers not wearing seat belts are usually at the highest risk of injury during sudden turbulence events, as powerful jolts can throw people from their seats or cause unsecured objects to fly through the cabin.
The incident has drawn comparisons online to the deadly Singapore Airlines turbulence case in 2024, where one passenger died and dozens were injured after a flight travelling from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence and made an emergency landing in Bangkok.
Experts Urge Passengers To Keep Seat Belts Fastened
Following the latest incident, aviation professionals are once again reminding passengers to keep their seat belts fastened throughout flights, even when the seat belt sign is switched off.
Pilots and aviation experts have repeatedly stressed that unexpected turbulence can occur within seconds and may escalate rapidly before crew members have time to react.
Cabin crew are also considered especially vulnerable during turbulence incidents because they are often standing while serving meals or assisting passengers.
Climate experts have additionally warned that turbulence incidents may become more common in the future due to changing weather patterns and stronger jet stream activity linked to climate change.
Despite the frightening experience, Cathay Pacific Flight 156 landed safely in Hong Kong, where medical teams were waiting to assist those injured during the mid-air ordeal.