Flight Incident
12 Injured as Qatar Airways Flight Encounters Severe Turbulence
The incident occurred while the aircraft was traversing Turkey, leading to an emergency response upon its arrival.
Dublin, Ireland — A Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin experienced severe turbulence on Sunday, resulting in injuries to twelve individuals, including six passengers and six crew members.
Flight QR107, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed safely at Dublin Airport shortly before 1 p.m. local time. Emergency services, including the Airport Police and the Fire and Rescue department, were on standby to assist the injured passengers and crew members. Dublin Airport authorities confirmed that eight of the injured were transported to local hospitals for further medical evaluation and treatment.
Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager at daa, the airport operator, provided a statement to the press, emphasizing the airport's commitment to passenger and crew safety. "The Dublin Airport team is currently offering assistance to passengers and airline staff on the ground," McQueen said. He further noted that the turbulence was encountered while the aircraft was flying over Turkey, causing significant distress among those on board.
The incident has drawn attention to the increasing frequency and severity of turbulence-related injuries in air travel. Just five days prior, a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered extreme turbulence, resulting in the death of a 73-year-old British passenger and injuries to dozens of others. The Singapore Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, where several passengers remained hospitalized with serious injuries.
Qatar Airways issued a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that a "small number" of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries. The airline assured that those affected were receiving appropriate medical attention and that an internal investigation was underway to understand the circumstances leading to the turbulence encounter. "The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew are our top priorities," the statement read.
Passengers on the Qatar Airways flight described the turbulence as sudden and intense, with some individuals being thrown from their seats. The incident reportedly lasted less than 20 seconds but was severe enough to cause injuries during the food and drinks service. One passenger recounted the chaos inside the cabin, noting that unbuckled passengers were particularly vulnerable to the abrupt movements of the aircraft.
Aviation experts have pointed to climate change as a potential factor in the increasing reports of turbulence. Warmer temperatures can lead to more unstable air currents, which in turn can cause more frequent and severe turbulence. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified turbulence as the most common type of airline accident, accounting for more than a third of reported incidents from 2009 through 2018. While fatalities are rare, serious injuries are not uncommon, particularly when passengers are not wearing seatbelts.
In response to the recent incidents, some airlines are revising their safety protocols. Singapore Airlines, for instance, has tightened its seatbelt rules and adopted a more cautious approach to turbulence management. The airline has instructed cabin crew to secure all loose items and equipment during adverse weather conditions and to suspend meal services when the seatbelt sign is activated.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation authorities continue to monitor turbulence-related incidents closely. They emphasize the importance of passengers adhering to safety instructions, particularly the use of seatbelts, to minimize the risk of injury during unexpected turbulence.
As the investigation into the Qatar Airways incident continues, the aviation community remains focused on enhancing safety measures and improving passenger awareness. The recent spate of turbulence-related injuries serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical importance of preparedness and vigilance.
Dublin Airport has assured that its operations remain uninterrupted and that it will continue to provide full assistance to the affected passengers and airline staff. The airport's swift response and the coordinated efforts of emergency services highlight the importance of readiness in handling such unforeseen events.