Air Europa Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Severe Turbulence, Over 20 Passengers Injured

An Air Europa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner had to make an emergency landing in Natal, located in northeastern Brazil, on Monday. The plane, which was flying from Madrid to Montevideo, encountered severe turbulence that caused injuries to several passengers. Due to these injuries, the flight was diverted to Natal, as confirmed by the airline on X.

The injured passengers were given immediate medical care, with some being taken to Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel hospital in Natal. According to the Uruguayan foreign ministry, many of the injured have already been released from the hospital. A diplomatic source from Uruguay mentioned that “between 25 and 30” people were hurt, although this number is not final. Most of the injuries were described as “mild trauma,” and there were no life-threatening cases reported.

Air Europa stated that a replacement aircraft would leave from Madrid later on Monday to continue the journey to Montevideo with the remaining passengers.

Air safety experts stress the importance of always wearing seatbelts during flights to reduce the risk of injury from sudden turbulence. Scientists have observed an increase in clear air turbulence, which they attribute to climate change. A study from 2023 showed a 17 percent rise in the annual duration of turbulence from 1979 to 2020, with severe cases increasing by over 50 percent.

Earlier this year, an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX experienced a fuselage panel blowout, and two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 resulted in the deaths of 346 people. These incidents have led to increased scrutiny of Boeing’s safety and manufacturing practices.

In response to these ongoing safety concerns, Boeing announced in March that CEO Dave Calhoun would be stepping down. The company also revealed plans to acquire its subcontractor Spirit to improve safety and quality control. Additionally, Boeing is under investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), which concluded in May that the company might face prosecution for violating a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement related to the 737 MAX crashes. The DOJ has reportedly offered Boeing a plea deal to avoid a trial, but the families of the victims are calling for criminal prosecution and are seeking a nearly $25 billion fine.