According to Koreaboo, the incident occurred with a Korean Air flight from Incheon airport to Mongolia at around 9:40 a.m. on August 4. The plane carrying 281 passengers encountered turbulence at an altitude of 10,300 meters while flying near Tianjin airport in China.
The sudden and intense shaking lasted about 15 seconds, causing food on the plane to fall from the table tray to the floor. Ten passengers and four crew members suffered neck and back pain. Luckily, no one was seriously injured.
In response to the incident, the plane changed direction to avoid thunderstorms around Tianjin airport. During this time, in-flight services are temporarily suspended. Passengers are instructed to wear seat belts and remain seated.
Immediately afterward, the crew provided painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to the injured. Medical staff were sent to care for the victim immediately after the plane landed at Genghis Khan International Airport. All passengers completed immigration procedures without further incident.
An airline representative emphasized that unexpected and serious turbulence is increasing. Therefore, the airline urges passengers to limit movement and always wear seat belts when sitting in seats .
Reports from the aviation industry in Korea also show that the frequency and intensity of turbulence are increasing due to climate change.
In the first half of this year alone, Korean airlines encountered 14,820 turbulence cases, accounting for 72% of the 20,575 cases reported in all of 2023. This number is roughly equivalent to 15,241 cases. cases were recorded in 2019.
Furthermore, seven out of ten aviation accidents involving Korean airlines from 2019 to June 2023 were caused by turbulence.
As turbulence-related incidents become more common, airlines and flight crews are increasingly training and preparing to respond to incidents. Passengers are also reminded of the importance of adhering to safety protocols while flying.
