Passengers injured after turbulence hits Doha-Manila flight

MANILA, Philippines – Around 40 passengers of a Manila-bound flight from Doha, Qatar sustained minor injuries after their plane was affected by turbulence Saturday, September 5, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.

In its statement Sunday morning, September 6, CAAP said the injured passengers, including 3 children, were hurt while on the flight due to what is commonly referred to as clean air turbulence.

“Clear Air Turbulence is defined as turbulence which is not associated with cloud and therefore cannot be detected visually or by conventional weather radar,” CAAP explained.

“It can strike even in the absence of clouds and pilots have no time to warn passengers and crew to get strapped into their seats,” it added.

The Qatar Airlines flight QR932 was en route to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Saturday afternoon and requested priority landing due to the passengers’ minor injuries.

The request for piority landing was received at 3:18 pm while aircraft was 30 miles out of Manila.

The Doha-to-Manila flight landad safely at NAIA Terminal 1, CAAP added, saying passengers were treated immediately by the airport medical team.

“This is the reason why pilots forewarned passengers to always fasten their seatbelt even the aircraft is on high attitude flight,” the statement explained further. – Rappler.com

Passenger Airliner image via ShutterStock.