British Airways Flight Hits Severe Turbulence: 3 Injured

Severe Turbulence on British Airways Flight: Two Passengers and One Cabin Crew Member Injured

On December 6, 2024, a scheduled British Airways flight operating from Los Angeles to London Heathrow encountered unexpected severe turbulence near Greenland. During the incident, two passengers and one cabin crew member sustained various injuries.

The turbulence had been anticipated based on up-to-date weather data obtained from the captain’s electronic flight tablet. Before entering the affected area, the captain switched on the seat belt sign and instructed the cabin crew to secure loose items and take their seats. However, approximately 20 minutes after the warning, a sudden bout of turbulence began and lasted around 10–15 seconds.

At that moment, a cabin crew member on duty was attempting to sit in her jump seat when a sudden upward and lateral movement of the aircraft threw her off balance. She fell to the floor and fractured her ankle.

In addition, a passenger who had left their seat to use the lavatory stated that they had not noticed the seat belt sign. While returning to their seat, the aircraft’s abrupt movement caused the passenger to fall, also resulting in a fractured ankle.

Shortly after the incident, a third passenger became unwell and experienced a brief loss of consciousness. Two passengers on board who identified themselves as doctors provided medical assistance, including applying splints to the injured individuals.

An official investigation into the incident has been launched by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).