Ten people have been injured after a Cathay Pacific flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong encountered severe turbulence near the end of its journey. The incident occurred on Sunday, just two hours before the Airbus A350-900 was scheduled to land.
The flight, CX156, was carrying approximately 240 passengers when it suddenly dropped twice in quick succession. Passengers described the experience as a “free-falling from a drop tower,” with some fearing the plane was going down. The turbulence struck shortly after cabin crew had begun the breakfast service.
According to Cathay Pacific, six cabin crew and four passengers reported minor injuries. Eight individuals were taken to hospital for further medical care, though most have since been discharged. Medical response teams met the aircraft on the runway at Hong Kong International Airport after it landed safely at around 6.45am.
A passenger told ABC News that the turbulence was caused by “some sort of thunder or lightning cell” that had not been visible on radar due to the dark conditions. This type of sudden turbulence in cloudless regions is known as clear-air turbulence (CAT), which the Federal Aviation Administration describes as particularly hazardous because it occurs without visual warning.
Images shared on social media showed the cabin strewn with meal trays, food containers, and loose equipment. A Cathay Pacific spokesperson said: “Medical personnel boarded the aircraft to assess the conditions of a small number of passengers and crew who reported feeling unwell, and they were provided with the utmost level of care. Almost all of them have since been discharged. We will continue to follow up and provide the necessary assistance.” The airline added: “The safety of our customers and crew guides every decision we make.”
