A Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam experienced severe turbulence on Wednesday evening, resulting in injuries to 25 passengers. The Airbus A330-900 hit the turbulence about 40 minutes into the journey while cruising at 37,000 feet over Wyoming. This unexpected encounter forced the plane to divert to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where emergency services were ready to assist the injured passengers and transport them to local hospitals.
If it seems like turbulence is becoming more frequent and intense, that’s because it is. Scientists are increasingly concerned about the impact of climate change on air travel. Changes in temperature and wind patterns in the upper atmosphere are making severe turbulence more common and more intense. This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges airlines face as they navigate these evolving conditions.
The turbulence on Delta Flight 56 was described as “abrupt and hit hard.” According to Flightradar24 data, the plane suddenly climbed over 1,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before descending about 1,400 feet shortly after. The chaos inside the cabin was palpable, with unbuckled passengers hitting the ceiling and meal service carts becoming airborne. Delta confirmed that medical personnel were on hand upon landing to assess and care for those affected. Passengers like Leeann Nash recounted the terrifying experience, noting the lack of warning and the severity of the turbulence.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Just two years ago, another Delta flight from Milan to Atlanta encountered severe turbulence, resulting in multiple hospitalizations. As these events become more common, it’s crucial for airlines and passengers to remain vigilant and prepared. #DeltaAirlines #Turbulence #ClimateChangeImpact
Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
