A Ryanair flight bound for Liverpool was forced to make an emergency diversion to Nantes, France, after severe mid-air turbulence threw passengers and cabin crew into the ceiling, leaving multiple people injured. Passengers on board described the experience as terrifying, with many believing they were going to die.
Flight details and timeline
Flight FR9887 was scheduled to depart from Alicante, Spain, at 4:35pm on Friday, July 10, bound for Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA). However, the flight took off later than planned at 6:05pm. Approximately one hour into the journey, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence.
One passenger, who was returning to Liverpool with a friend after a group holiday, told the ECHO that the turbulence occurred suddenly. “The plane dropped really bad. Everyone was screaming and crying,” he said. “The air hostesses went up in the air. It levelled off and calmed down for a couple of seconds. Then it went again. During the second time, it was absolutely terrifying.”
Passengers and crew injured
The passenger reported that some individuals were thrown into the roof of the aircraft. “Passengers had their hands on people’s shoulders and held them down so they wouldn't hit the roof,” he said. “It was the most terrifying experience. Everyone was screaming, crying, we all thought we were going to die. People were shaking and screaming.”
He added that drinks and coffee were sent flying, covering passengers. “If you had a drink, it was on the ceiling, two girls were covered in coffee. My friend got covered head to toe in coffee.” The pilot later informed passengers that the plane dropped 300 feet in a matter of seconds.
Emergency response and diversion
The flight diverted to Nantes Airport in France, where emergency services were waiting on the runway. Paramedics boarded the aircraft to assess and treat the injured. “They put one girl in a stretcher. The poor girl hit the roof,” the passenger said. “One of the air hostesses was taken to hospital, she had a knee injury. I saw a man with a neck brace on. When they let us off, they asked every one of us if we needed assistance.”
The passenger described the scene in the departure lounge: “Everyone was covered in coffee. One guy had blood on his face.” A replacement aircraft was arranged, and passengers eventually departed for Liverpool at 12:20am local time.
Ryanair statement
A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed the incident to the ECHO, stating: “FR9887 from Alicante to Liverpool Friday, July 10, experienced some air turbulence mid-flight. The aircraft diverted and landed normally at Nantes Airport, and a small group of passengers were taken for medical treatment. A replacement aircraft was arranged and departed for Liverpool at 12:20am local time.”
