An Air Europa flight from Madrid to Montevideo was forced to make an emergency landing at Natal Airport in Brazil due to severe turbulence on July 1, 2024. The incident left dozens of passengers injured, with some suffering from fractures and head injuries.
According to various reports, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was carrying around 330 passengers when it encountered the turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean. Some sources indicate that at least 40 people were treated for injuries, with ten being transported to hospitals in Natal.
Passengers described a chaotic scene inside the cabin, with some being thrown from their seats and others hitting their heads on ceilings or other hard surfaces. Two women reported that a passenger was embedded in the plane's ceiling area after flying out of his seat during the turbulence. Another passenger described people falling on top of seats and other passengers.
The exact cause of the turbulence is not yet clear, but it is believed to have been related to a weather system over the Atlantic Ocean. The incident marks the second time in less than a month that severe turbulence has caused injuries on a commercial flight, following an incident involving a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore in late May.
Air Europa issued a statement confirming the emergency landing and expressing concern for those affected by the turbulence. The airline also stated that they were working to provide assistance and accommodations for passengers in Natal.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of wearing seatbelts during flights, especially during periods of turbulence. It also highlights the need for continued research into the causes and potential mitigation strategies for severe turbulence events.