12 injured as turbulence hits Doha-Dublin Qatar Airways flight

Twelve people were reported injured when a Qatar Airways plane flying from Doha to Dublin hit turbulence, Dublin Airport authorities said on Sunday.

The plane landed safely as scheduled before 1 pm (1200 GMT).

“Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew … reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey,” Dublin Airport said in a statement.

Also read: Singapore Airlines turbulence spotlights world's most unstable flight routes — From Chile, to Bolivia & Japan. Details

All the passengers were assessed for injury before they disembarked from the aircraft. 

“Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital,” the airport said, adding that the return flight to Doha will operate as normal today afternoon, albeit with a delay. 

“Flight operations at Dublin Airport were unaffected and continue as normal this afternoon,” they added.

Also read: Singapore Airlines turbulence: Many injured passengers need spinal surgery; 20 still in intensive care

Qatar Airways said in a statement that “a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention.”

It said, “the matter is now subject to an internal investigation.”

Five days ago, a British man died of a suspected heart attack and dozens of people were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit severe turbulence.

Also read: Singapore Airlines turbulence: SIA changes in-flight safety protocols, modifies route 

While turbulence-related fatalities are rare, injuries have piled up over the years. Some meteorologists and aviation analysts note that reports of turbulence encounters also have been increasing and point to the potential impacts that climate change may have on flying conditions.

(With AP inputs)