Air New Zealand Airbus A320 Hit By Turbulence Leaving Two Injured

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 17, 2024 22:00 PMNews
Share:
Air NZ Airbus A320-200 (ZK-OXC) taxis at Auckland
Air NZ Airbus A320-200 (ZK-OXC) taxis at Auckland. Source: unsplash

An Air New Zealand A320 encountered severe turbulence over the South Island on Sunday, resulting in two people being sent to the hospital. This incident, though not as severe as recent turbulence episodes on Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways flights, highlights the ongoing risks associated with inflight turbulence.

The Air New Zealand aircraft was on a domestic flight from Wellington to Queenstown when the turbulence struck about 15 minutes into the journey. During cabin service, a passenger was scalded by hot coffee, and a flight attendant suffered moderate injuries after hitting the cabin ceiling. The affected flight, NZ607, was met by two ambulances upon landing in Queenstown, and both injured individuals were transported to Lakes District Hospital in moderate condition.

Chief Operational and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan of Air New Zealand emphasized the airline's commitment to safety, stating, "The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our number one priority, and our crew are trained to respond to these situations." He noted that clear-air turbulence, which cannot always be detected by flight crew, can still pose significant risks, and the airline continuously reviews its procedures to ensure safety.

Passengers on the flight shared their experiences, describing the turbulence as unexpectedly intense. One passenger recounted how the coffee pot spilled over a lady, causing burns that required paramedic attention. Another passenger described how a flight attendant was thrown into the ceiling due to the jolt.

Despite the severity of the turbulence, the Airbus A320-200, registration ZK-OXH, continued to operate additional flights the same day, indicating that the aircraft itself sustained no damage from the incident.

The incident occurred shortly after similar severe turbulence episodes on flights operated by Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways, prompting renewed discussions about air safety and the importance of remaining seated during flights. Such events underscore the unpredictable nature of turbulence and the critical need for stringent safety protocols to protect passengers and crew.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM