SAS Stockholm to Miami Flight Turns Back After Encountering Severe Turbulence

An SAS flight from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Miami International Airport (MIA) was forced to make an unexpected return following severe turbulence. The Airbus A330-300, registered as LN-RKS and operated by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), encountered rough conditions near Greenland, prompting the crew to prioritize safety and head back to Copenhagen.

Incident Details

Flight SK957, which departed from Stockholm at 12:09 AM UTC, was cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet over the North Atlantic when it encountered extreme turbulence between Iceland and Greenland. According to flight data from FlightRadar24 and reports from FL360 Aero, the turbulence was linked to challenging weather patterns in the area.

A passenger onboard described the mood as calm despite the incident, adding that the aircraft appeared to have sustained only minor damage. However, aviation protocol mandates a thorough inspection of any plane following severe turbulence.

SAS’s Response

Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, SAS’s press manager, explained the decision to divert to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) instead of continuing to Miami:

"When severe turbulence occurs, the aircraft must always be carefully inspected. It is standard in the industry. We cannot do that study in the USA, it must be done at home, and in this case, Copenhagen."

The diversion ensures the Airbus A330-300 undergoes a comprehensive inspection in line with safety protocols.

Passenger Experience

Images shared by a passenger on X (formerly Twitter) revealed the aftermath of the turbulence within the cabin. Despite the intensity of the event, reports indicate passengers remained calm, and no injuries were reported.

The flight, which had been airborne for approximately four hours at the time of the incident, was expected to land in Copenhagen two hours after the decision to divert.

Aircraft and Operational History

The Airbus A330-300 involved in the incident is a 9.2-year-old aircraft registered as LN-RKS. Known for its reliability in long-haul operations, this model is part of SAS’s wide-body fleet used for transatlantic flights.

This incident underscores the critical importance of safety in aviation, particularly when navigating challenging weather conditions. SAS’s swift decision to divert and conduct a thorough inspection highlights its commitment to passenger safety and operational standards.