Turbulence Troubles: 787 Dreamliner Flight Diverted and Causes Injuries to Passengers

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight from Spain to Uruguay was diverted after experiencing severe turbulence. The plane, flying from Madrid to Montevideo, had to make an early morning detour due to the turbulence. Injuries were reported as a result of the incident. According to a statement shared with Business Insider, Air Europa said seven people were injured while an “undetermined number” suffered minor bruises. Images on social media showed damage to the cabin’s ceiling panels.

Passenger Romina Apai told Uruguayan TV network Teledoce that she witnessed a person getting stuck in an overhead luggage compartment due to the damaged roof. Another passenger, Evangelina Saravia, also described the incident and said medical services attended to the aircraft after it landed in Natal, Brazil. Air Europa stated that they would send another plane to pick up the passengers and that they thanked local authorities for their quick intervention and assistance.

The incident is just one of several recent cases involving severe turbulence. In May, a Singapore Airlines passenger died and dozens more were injured due to turbulence. Days later, 12 people were injured on a Qatar Airways flight. While serious injuries due to turbulence are rare, data from the Federal Aviation Administration shows that an average of less than 12 people per year are seriously injured by turbulence between 2009 and 2022.