Qatar Airways has announced that it will be conducting an investigation into a recent turbulence incident that occurred on a flight from Doha to Dublin, resulting in injuries to a dozen passengers. Upon landing in Dublin, eight individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment. The turbulence was encountered over Turkey, although the exact cause remains unclear.
This incident comes shortly after another turbulent flight involving Singapore Airlines, where over 100 passengers were injured and a passenger tragically passed away due to a suspected heart attack. The recent spate of turbulence-related incidents has raised concerns within the aviation industry.
During the flight from Doha to Dublin, despite the turbulence, the aircraft did not require diversion. However, 12 passengers sustained injuries, with eight requiring hospitalization upon arrival. Emergency services and police were present to assist upon landing.
Qatar Airways has assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out to determine the circumstances surrounding the turbulence. Passengers on the flight shared their harrowing experiences, expressing fear and gratitude for the cabin crew's support during the turbulent episode.
While turbulence is a common occurrence in air travel, the recent incidents have sparked questions about the frequency and severity of such events. A study conducted by a UK university in 2022 suggested a potential increase in turbulence-related incidents over the next decade, with projections indicating a two to threefold rise.
With approximately 65,000 turbulence-related incidents reported annually in the aviation industry, of which 5,000 are classified as severe, concerns about passenger anxiety and safety persist. The psychological impact of turbulence incidents on both seasoned and anxious flyers is significant, contributing to heightened nervousness among travelers.