Exclusive mobile phone footage has emerged, capturing the heart-stopping moment severe turbulence rocked a Wizz Air flight, plunging passengers into a scene of sheer terror. The aircraft, travelling from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Rome, Italy, was violently shaken, prompting screams and the immediate deployment of oxygen masks.
The video, filmed by a brave passenger, shows the cabin in chaos. Luggage can be heard crashing from overhead lockers as the plane abruptly drops and shudders. The desperate cries of those on board are punctuated by the crew's urgent shouts to "bend over" and "hold your ankles".
Emergency Diversion to Naples
In response to the extreme weather event, the pilots were forced to declare an emergency and divert the aircraft to Naples International Airport. The successful landing was met with overwhelming relief and applause from the shaken passengers and crew.
A spokesperson for Wizz Air confirmed the incident, stating: "Wizz Air can confirm that flight W64401 from Larnaca to Rome experienced turbulence during the flight. The captain prioritised the safety of passengers and crew by making the professional decision to divert to Naples, where the aircraft landed normally."
Passenger Accounts of the Mid-Air Ordeal
Passengers described the experience as utterly terrifying. One recounted the suddenness of the event, saying the plane "just dropped", creating a weightless sensation before the violent shaking began. The crew's quick actions to secure the cabin and follow safety protocols were widely praised in the aftermath.
The airline has emphasised that the safety and security of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority. All travellers were later accommodated on alternative flights to continue their journeys to Rome.
