Passengers aboard a TUI flight from Manchester to Tenerife were thrown into chaos when the aircraft suddenly plummeted mid-air, sparking scenes of sheer panic among holidaymakers.
Witnesses described the terrifying moment when the plane appeared to drop "like a rollercoaster," sending unsecured items flying through the cabin and leaving travellers screaming in fear.
'We Thought We Were Going to Die'
One shaken passenger recounted: "It was absolute pandemonium. People were crying, shouting - some genuinely believed this was the end." The sudden descent lasted several agonising seconds before pilots regained control.
Crew Scramble to Reassure Passengers
Flight attendants immediately sprang into action, attempting to calm distressed travellers while checking for injuries. "The crew were brilliant," another passenger noted, "but you could see the fear in their eyes too."
Aviation experts suggest the incident may have been caused by clear-air turbulence, though TUI has yet to confirm the exact circumstances surrounding the scare.
Aftermath of the Aerial Ordeal
Despite the terrifying experience, the flight continued to its destination where paramedics met several passengers requiring medical attention for shock and minor injuries.
The airline has since issued a statement acknowledging the "unsettling event" and confirming they are investigating the matter thoroughly.
