Twelve people have been injured due to turbulence on a flight from Doha to Dublin.
The Boeing 787-9 dreamliner experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey, Dublin Airport’s operator, the DAA, said.
Upon landing shortly before 13:00 local time, Qatar Airways flight QR017 was met by emergency services including airport police, ambulance and fire officers.
Six passengers and six crew members reported injuries – of these, eight people have been taken to hospital.
Ireland’s National Ambulance Service said it received a pre-alert to attend the airport and was “on site facilitating and supporting the disembarkment of passengers”.
A DAA spokesperson said: “The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff.”
‘Panic on everyone’s faces’
Passengers described the incident as frightening. They said the plane seemed to drop out of the air for about 20 seconds during food-and-drinks service.
One, named Cathal, who was travelling home to Ireland from Doha, told Irish broadcaster RTÉ that the seatbelt signs were off during the incident and that his dinner had flown off his lap.
Another, Paul Mocc, said he saw people hitting the roof, with food and drink going everywhere.
Mr Mocc said he saw crew members limping afterwards, some with bandages on.
He described seeing a passenger on oxygen with suspected back injuries who had been placed lying down.
Emma and Conor were travelling back from Thailand.
Conor said he felt the plane drop and a flight attendant went “up in the air”.
