A Ryanair flight from Alicante to Liverpool was forced to divert to Nantes, France, after severe turbulence injured several passengers and crew members. The incident occurred on Friday, July 10, on flight FR9887, which was originally scheduled to depart at 4:35pm but left at 6:05pm.
Passengers describe terrifying ordeal
One passenger, returning to Liverpool with a companion after a group holiday, told the Liverpool Echo that the turbulence struck approximately an hour into the flight. He said: "The captain said it was severe turbulence but I've never known anything like that. It happened really quick. The plane dropped really bad. Everyone was screaming and crying."
He described how passengers and flight attendants were thrown towards the ceiling. "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 tried to hold each other down to prevent further injuries. "People had their hands on people's shoulders and held them down so they wouldn't hit the roof. It was the most terrifying experience. Everyone was screaming, crying, we all thought we were going to die."
Injuries and diversion
The pilot reported a drop of 300 feet in a few seconds. The aircraft diverted to Nantes, where paramedics boarded. One woman was placed on a stretcher after hitting the ceiling, and a flight attendant was taken to hospital with a knee injury. A man was seen wearing a neck brace. The passenger added: "When they let us off, they asked every one of us if we needed assistance."
Passengers were held in the departure lounge while a replacement aircraft was arranged. The traveller noted: "In the lounge, everyone was covered in coffee. One guy had blood on his face."
Ryanair statement
A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed the incident: "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."
