Severe turbulence on a flight from Madrid to Montevideo resulted in injuries to several passengers and left one man trapped in an overhead bin. The incident occurred Monday aboard Air Europa’s flight UX045, causing significant disruptions and distress among passengers.
Videos of the chaotic scene show a man’s legs sticking out of an overhead bin after he was thrown against the ceiling during the turbulence. Air Europa confirmed that the turbulence hit while the aircraft was over the Atlantic Ocean, leading to the plane’s diversion to Natal, Brazil.
To accommodate the disrupted travel plans, Air Europa arranged for a replacement flight from Madrid to transport the stranded passengers to Montevideo. Out of the 325 passengers on board, 30 were injured due to the severe turbulence, which left the cabin in a state of disarray. Oxygen masks dangled, and ceiling panels were dislodged, creating a chaotic and frightening environment, according to passengers who spoke with local Uruguayan media.
“Our flight UX045 bound for Montevideo has been diverted to the Natal airport (in Brazil) due to strong turbulence,” Air Europa stated on Twitter. “The plane has landed normally and those who sustained different types of injuries are already being treated.” The injured passengers were taken to Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel Hospital in Natal for medical attention, with the severity of injuries varying.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern for Boeing. In May 2024, a man died on a Singapore Airlines flight that also encountered unexpected severe turbulence. The recent turbulence on Air Europa’s flight highlights ongoing concerns about air travel safety and the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions.
As Air Europa addresses the needs of the affected passengers and ensures their safe arrival in Montevideo, the aviation industry is reminded of the critical importance of handling turbulence incidents effectively. Passenger safety and the ability to respond swiftly to such emergencies remain top priorities for airlines worldwide.
