Korean Air A330 Hit by Severe Turbulence, Injuring Over a Dozen Onboard

A routine flight from Seoul, South Korea, to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, turned into a terrifying experience for passengers and crew aboard a Korean Air Airbus A330-300 on August 9, 2024.

Severe turbulence struck the aircraft, registered as HL7710, approximately an hour into the flight near Tianjin, China, causing chaos in the cabin. Passengers described the turbulence as sudden and intense, with the shaking lasting for about 15 seconds. The severity of the incident was underscored by the injuries sustained—ten passengers and four flight attendants were hurt, though none were seriously injured.

Reports indicate that the turbulence hit during meal service, which led to food, personal items, and various objects being violently tossed around the cabin. Disturbing video clips and photographs of the aftermath, showing the aisle littered with debris, have since gone viral on social media platforms such as Facebook and X.

The incident highlights the increasing concern over turbulence, particularly as climate change is believed to be making such events more frequent and difficult to predict. This comes after a recent tragic event where a passenger died on a Singapore Airlines flight due to severe turbulence.

Experts have warned that turbulence is on the rise, making it a growing challenge for airlines globally. In response to these rising concerns, Korean Air has implemented new safety measures. The airline now concludes cabin services 20 minutes earlier on medium- and long-haul flights and strongly advises passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened throughout the flight.

These precautions aim to mitigate the risks associated with unexpected turbulence, ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew.

Upon landing in Ulaanbaatar, the injured passengers and crew were promptly attended to by medical personnel. While the injuries were not life-threatening, the incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of remaining vigilant, especially in the face of increasingly volatile weather patterns.