Passengers aboard a Ryanair flight from Alicante to Liverpool have described a harrowing ordeal after severe mid-air turbulence threw them into the ceiling of the aircraft, leaving many believing they would not survive. The flight, designated FR 9887, departed Alicante at 6.05pm on July 10, 2026, and was bound for Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) before it was forced to divert to Nantes, France.
Passengers Describe Terrifying Experience
One passenger recounted the terrifying moments to the Liverpool Echo, stating that the turbulence struck suddenly and violently. "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," the passenger 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."
According to the passenger, the drop was so severe that passengers grabbed each other to prevent being thrown into the roof. "Passengers 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," they added. "People were shaking and screaming. If you had a drink, it was on the ceiling, two girls were covered in coffee."
Injuries and Emergency Response
The passenger reported that the pilot announced a drop of 300 feet in a matter of seconds. Upon landing at Nantes Airport, paramedics boarded the aircraft to attend to the injured. "They put one girl in a stretcher. The poor girl hit the roof. 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 said.
In the departure lounge, the scene was chaotic, with passengers covered in coffee and one man with blood on his face. A replacement aircraft eventually transported the passengers to Liverpool, departing Nantes at 12.20am local time.
Ryanair Statement
A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed the incident, 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." The airline arranged a replacement aircraft to complete the journey.
