A Cathay Pacific flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong was rocked by severe turbulence in the final stages of its journey early Saturday morning, injuring ten people and sending eight to the hospital. The aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 , landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), where emergency medical teams boarded the aircraft immediately after arrival.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of in-flight turbulence safety, particularly for cabin crew working during meal service. Airlines must balance passenger comfort with the need to maintain a safe and secure environment on board.
In a statement to Simple Flying, Cathay Pacific confirmed the sequence of events, saying: Flight CX156 from Brisbane to Hong Kong on 22 May encountered turbulence. The flight arrived in Hong Kong at 06:45 am local time.
The airline added that six cabin crew and four passengers sustained minor injuries, eight of whom were transferred to hospital for further treatment. The safety of our customers and crew guides every decision we make ,
Airport Authority Hong Kong confirmed that emergency response teams, including firefighters and ambulance personnel, had been placed on standby shortly before arrival, with medical personnel entering the cabin promptly after landing.
Police later confirmed that the eight individuals requiring hospital care were transported to North Lantau Hospital in Tung Chung, while the remaining two received attention at the airport.
Social media footage and photographs circulated after the event showed food containers, napkins, and loose items strewn across the cabin floor. One widely shared image showed an injured flight attendant being assisted on a stretcher while wearing a cervical collar.
Cathay Pacific has not announced any operational disruptions or reported structural damage to the aircraft.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of turbulence safety protocols and the need for airlines to prioritize passenger well-being.
The incident highlights the need for airlines to take proactive measures to mitigate turbulence risks during meal service.
