A Ryanair flight en route to Croatia was forced to make an emergency landing in Germany after encountering intense turbulence that left nine passengers injured. The aircraft, which had departed from the UK, experienced the severe weather event mid-flight, prompting the crew to divert and land in Nuremberg for immediate medical assistance.
According to local authorities, the turbulence came unexpectedly, sending unsecured passengers and luggage flying. Emergency services were summoned to the airport, where five people were hospitalised and four more received on-site care. Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos, as oxygen masks deployed and passengers gripped their seats.
Ryanair confirmed the incident in a statement, emphasizing that the crew followed all safety procedures and coordinated swiftly with German ground control. The airline is currently working to provide support to affected passengers and arrange alternate travel where needed. Investigations are underway to determine the precise cause and severity of the turbulence.
As climate-related instability continues to affect global air travel, aviation experts have raised concerns about the increasing frequency of unexpected turbulence. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by extreme weather and the importance of strict adherence to seatbelt regulations during flights.