Airport authorities reported that twelve individuals sustained injuries when a Qatar Airways aircraft traveling from Doha to Dublin encountered turbulence on Sunday. Among the injured, eight required hospitalization.
Nonetheless, Dublin Airport issued a statement confirming that flight QR017, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, safely landed as planned.
Upon landing, the aircraft was greeted by emergency services, comprising airport police and the fire and rescue department. This response was prompted by reports from six passengers and six crew members who sustained injuries when the aircraft encountered turbulence while flying over Turkey.
All passengers underwent injury assessments on board the plane, following which eight individuals were transported to the hospital.
In a statement, Qatar Airways acknowledged that “a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention.” Moreover, the airline stated that the incident is being investigated internally.
This event occurred just five days after a British man passed away from a suspected heart attack, and numerous individuals sustained injuries when a Singapore Airlines flight from London encountered severe turbulence.
Although fatalities resulting from turbulence are infrequent, injuries have accumulated over time. Certain meteorologists and aviation experts highlight a rising trend in reports of turbulence encounters and suggest that climate change may contribute to adverse flying conditions.
Turbulence in Flight
Turbulence, often described as the bumpy ride experienced during flights, is a natural phenomenon caused by various atmospheric factors. While it can be unsettling for passengers, it is crucial to understand that turbulence is a common occurrence in aviation and does not typically pose a significant threat to the safety of the aircraft.
Turbulence can be categorized into several types, including clear air turbulence (CAT), which occurs at high altitudes in cloudless skies, and convective turbulence, caused by atmospheric instability associated with thunderstorms. Mechanical turbulence near mountain ranges or in the vicinity of large buildings can also impact flight stability.
Despite advances in technology and weather forecasting, turbulence remains difficult to predict accurately. Pilots rely on weather reports, onboard radar systems, and communication with air traffic control to navigate turbulent areas safely. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand considerable turbulence, and strict regulations ensure their structural integrity and safety.
How to mitigate turbulence?
Apart from clear-air turbulence, which can pose challenges to avoidance, some of the most prevalent turbulence arises from thunderstorms or air currents around mountains—both of which are sometimes circumvented by adjusting flight paths.
Aiding in this endeavor is the wealth of information available to pilots, sourced not only from onboard and ground-based weather radar systems but also from reports relayed by air traffic control and other aircraft.
Pilot insights are also instrumental in navigating turbulent conditions, as they possess knowledge of regions prone to high turbulence, enabling them to take precautionary measures to ensure safety.
Airlines employ various strategies to address turbulent air. Canadian carrier WestJet, for instance, shared that their flight planning teams leverage multiple weather sources to chart the optimal flight path. Additionally, crews receive real-time updates on turbulence and weather conditions from air traffic control and the operations control center.
Moreover, airlines are attentive to recent incidents, such as the Singapore Airlines flight that resulted in numerous injuries, prompting adjustments to their procedures. This includes measures like suspending meal service when the seatbelt sign is activated and modifying flight routes.
Passengers can minimize discomfort during turbulent flights by remaining seated with seatbelts fastened, following crew instructions, and avoiding unnecessary movement around the cabin. While turbulence can be unnerving, it is essential to trust in the expertise of the flight crew and the aircraft’s capabilities to navigate through it safely.
Turbulence is a natural and unavoidable aspect of air travel. With proper precautions and adherence to safety protocols, passengers and crew can mitigate its effects and ensure a smooth journey to their destination.
