Turbulence Hits Qatar Airways Flight, 12 Injured
A Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin encountered severe turbulence over Turkey, resulting in 12 people being injured, including six passengers and six crew members. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flight QR017, landed safely at Dublin Airport on Sunday, May 26, at around 1 pm local time (8 pm Singapore time).
According to Dublin Airport’s statement, the aircraft was met by emergency services upon landing, and eight passengers were taken to hospital in Dublin for further treatment. Passengers who witnessed the incident reported that it lasted less than 20 seconds and occurred during the food and drinks service.
Qatar Airways released a statement confirming that a “small number” of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries during the flight and were receiving medical attention. The airline did not directly comment on the turbulence but stated that the matter is subject to an internal investigation.
Turbulence-related airline accidents are the most common type, according to a 2021 study by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. From 2009 to 2018, the agency found that turbulence accounted for more than one-third of reported airline accidents, resulting in one or more serious injuries, but no aircraft damage.
Experts have warned that climate-change-related factors, such as warming temperatures, could lead to higher wind speeds, even as aircraft are designed to withstand severe amounts of turbulence. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and being prepared for unexpected events during air travel.