HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) flight CX156 from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) encountered severe turbulence early Saturday morning, leaving 10 passengers and crew members injured.
The Airbus A350-900 landed safely in Hong Kong, where emergency medical teams boarded the aircraft immediately after arrival.
The incident involved six cabin crew members and four passengers, including two Australians, according to the airline.
Cathay Pacific confirmed that eight injured individuals were transported to a local hospital for further medical evaluation after the flight landed safely at approximately 6:35 a.m. local time, SCMP flagged.
Cathay Pacific Flight Turbulence
Cathay Pacific stated that the turbulence occurred during the latter stages of the flight while approaching Hong Kong. Although the airline described the injuries as minor, several passengers reportedly experienced headaches and pain in their backs, shoulders, arms, and legs.
Airport Authority Hong Kong confirmed that emergency response teams, including firefighters and ambulance personnel, were placed on standby shortly before the aircraft’s arrival. Medical personnel entered the cabin soon after landing to assess injured passengers and crew members.
Police later confirmed that eight people were transferred to North Lantau Hospital in Tung Chung for treatment. The remaining injured individuals received medical attention at the airport.
Passenger Description of the Event
Videos and photos shared on social media showed food containers, napkins, and loose cabin items scattered across the aircraft floor following the turbulence event. One widely circulated image also showed an injured flight attendant being assisted on a stretcher while wearing a cervical collar.
A passenger onboard described the sudden turbulence as similar to “free-falling from a drop tower.” She said the aircraft experienced an abrupt movement that caused panic inside the cabin, with unsecured items thrown into the air.
The passenger added that many travelers appeared shocked immediately after the incident. Several passengers reportedly remained seated for an extended period after landing while medical crews evaluated the situation.
A350 Safety Focus
The aircraft involved in the incident was a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900, one of the airline’s primary long-haul aircraft types.
Aviation experts note that turbulence-related injuries often occur when passengers or crew members are not seated during sudden atmospheric disturbances.
Airlines worldwide continue urging travelers to keep seat belts fastened whenever seated, even when the seat belt sign is turned off.
Cabin crew injuries are also common during turbulence events because attendants are frequently moving through the cabin during meal and beverage services.
Despite the severity of the turbulence, the aircraft landed safely without structural damage being reported. Cathay Pacific has not announced any operational disruptions linked to the incident.
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