On May 26, 2024, a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Ireland encountered turbulence, resulting in injuries to six passengers and six cabin crew members. Despite the turbulence, the plane landed safely and on schedule at Dublin Airport.
Flight QR017, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, touched down in Dublin just before 1:00 PM local time. The turbulence incident happened while the aircraft was flying over Turkey, lasting less than 20 seconds. Passengers described the event occurring during the food and drinks service.
Upon landing, emergency services, including Airport Police and the Fire and Rescue department, met the aircraft. Dublin Airport confirmed in a statement that “six passengers and six crew members reported injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey.”
Qatar Airways acknowledged the incident, stating that a “small number” of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries and were receiving medical attention. The airline did not comment directly on the turbulence but mentioned that the matter is under internal investigation.
Increase in Clear Air Turbulence
This event comes amid a rise in incidents involving clear air turbulence (CAT), which can occur without warning and is undetectable by aircraft radar. Just five days earlier, a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore was forced to land in Bangkok due to severe turbulence, resulting in the death of a 73-year-old British man and injuring 20 others.
In another recent incident, a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER encountered turbulence on its way to London, leading to the death of a passenger. About a year ago, a Qatar Airways 777-300ER flying from Doha to Bali experienced turbulence, causing injuries to passengers and crew. These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of CAT and the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened during flights.
Safety Measures and Precautions
In light of these incidents, airlines continue to stress the importance of wearing seatbelts throughout flights to minimize injuries caused by unexpected turbulence. Cabin crew members often remind passengers to stay seated and buckled up, especially when encountering turbulent weather conditions.
The recent turbulence experienced by Qatar Airways Flight QR017, resulting in injuries to 12 people, underscores the ongoing challenges posed by clear air turbulence. The increase in such incidents over the past year emphasizes the need for passengers to adhere to safety protocols while flying.
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