A Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin encountered severe turbulence, injuring twelve people. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner hit turbulence while flying over Turkey, causing a sudden and frightening drop that left passengers and crew shaken.
The flight, QR017, landed at Dublin Airport just before 1 PM local time, where emergency services, including police, ambulances, and fire officers, were waiting. Six passengers and six crew members reported injuries, and eight were taken to the hospital for further treatment.
Ireland’s National Ambulance Service was alerted in advance and was ready at the airport to assist with the disembarkation of passengers. Dublin Airport’s operator, DAA, assured that their team provided full support on the ground to both passengers and airline staff.
Passengers Describe a Terrifying Experience
Passengers recounted the harrowing moments during the turbulence. Cathal, a passenger traveling from Doha to Ireland, described the incident to Irish broadcaster RTÉ. He noted that the seatbelt signs were off during the turbulence, and his dinner flew off his lap, splattering food across the cabin and onto the ceiling. Another passenger, Paul Mocc, witnessed people hitting the roof of the plane and saw crew members injured, some limping and bandaged but still continuing to serve passengers.
Emma Rose Power and Conor Buckley, returning to Dublin from Thailand, also shared their experiences. Mr. Buckley recalled the plane suddenly dropping and a flight attendant being lifted into the air. Ms. Power, who was asleep when the turbulence hit, woke to see panic on everyone’s faces. She mentioned that flight attendants had visible injuries, with one having their arm in a sling.
A Terrifying Flight Experience
Eileen, another passenger, called it the “worst experience” she ever had on a plane. Her partner Tony had to hold her down as she was not wearing her seatbelt and was asleep during the turbulence. “I am not in a hurry to get back on a plane I can tell you,” Eileen remarked.
Qatar Airways confirmed that a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical attention. The airline stated that the incident is under internal investigation.
Despite the turbulence, Dublin Airport’s operations were not affected. The return flight to Doha was scheduled to depart as planned, albeit with a delay.
This incident follows a similar one earlier in the week, where a 73-year-old British man died on a flight to Singapore that also experienced severe turbulence.
Events like these highlight the importance of always wearing seatbelts while seated and remind us of the unpredictable nature of air travel.
