Air Europa Flight makes emergency landing after severe turbulence, over 20 passengers injured

An Air Europa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner made an emergency landing in Natal, northeastern Brazil, on Monday after encountering strong turbulence on a flight from Madrid to Montevideo. The turbulence resulted in several injuries among the passengers, prompting the emergency diversion, the airline said on X.

The affected passengers received immediate medical attention, with some being transported to Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel hospital in Natal. The Uruguayan foreign ministry reported that several of the injured passengers have already been discharged.

A diplomatic source from Uruguay indicated that "between 25 and 30" people sustained injuries, although this figure is not yet final. Most of the injuries were classified as "mild trauma," and there were no immediate life-threatening cases, the source added.

Air Europa announced that a replacement plane would depart from Madrid later on Monday to continue the journey to Montevideo with the remaining passengers.

Air safety experts emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times during flights to mitigate the risks associated with sudden turbulence. Scientists have noted an increase in clear air turbulence, attributed to climate change, with a 2023 study showing a 17 per cent rise in annual turbulence duration from 1979 to 2020, and severe cases increasing by over 50 per cent.

Earlier this year, a fuselage panel blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX, and two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 resulted in the deaths of 346 people. These events have intensified scrutiny on Boeing's safety and manufacturing practices.

In response to the ongoing safety concerns, Boeing announced the departure of CEO Dave Calhoun in March and revealed plans to acquire its subcontractor Spirit to enhance safety and quality control.

Boeing is also under scrutiny from the US Department of Justice (DOJ), which concluded in May that the company could 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 victims' families are calling for criminal prosecution and seeking a nearly $25 billion fine.

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