An Air Europa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying from Madrid to Montevideo made an emergency landing in Brazil after encountering severe turbulence, resulting in injuries to approximately 30 passengers.
The incident occurred mid-air, prompting Flight UX045 to divert to Natal Airport in northeastern Brazil en route to its destination in Uruguay, according to the airline’s statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
It added that passengers who suffered injuries were “receiving attention”.
An Air Europa spokesperson reported that the plane, carrying 325 passengers, encountered turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean as it approached the Brazilian coast.
The aircraft landed without incident and was met by a fleet of ambulances.
Airport officials reported that several passengers required medical attention and were transported to the nearest hospital.
According to local medical personnel speaking to Brazilian media, they treated around 30 passengers of various nationalities, with 10 of them needing hospitalization. The injuries sustained included cranial fractures and facial cuts from impacts during turbulence.
This incident occurred shortly after a Singapore Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence over Myanmar, resulting in numerous injuries and the tragic death of a British passenger.
Although severe turbulence remains uncommon, recent research suggests that climate change may be contributing to an increased risk.
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