On Mar 29th 2026, a Ryanair-operated flight by Malta Air, a Boeing 737-800 registered 9H-QEP, operating flight FR-4017 from Porto to Milan, was forced to divert after encountering severe turbulence mid-flight.
The aircraft was cruising at FL340 over the Pyrenees mountains when it suddenly encountered violent turbulence. The intensity of the turbulence caused unsecured cabin baggage to be thrown from overhead bins, striking passengers and creating chaos inside the cabin.
Several occupants were injured during the ঘটনা, prompting the crew to take immediate action. The flight diverted to Toulouse, where it landed safely approximately 20 minutes later.
Initial reports indicated that four passengers were injured, including one who suffered a dislocated shoulder and another who sustained a neck injury. However, further details released on Apr 6th 2026 by CIAIAC revealed a broader impact: two cabin crew members sustained serious injuries, while six passengers suffered minor injuries.
The turbulence occurred between waypoints GOSVI and TOPTU, a region known for complex weather patterns due to mountainous terrain.
A replacement Boeing 737-800, registration 9H-QAS, was dispatched to continue the journey, eventually reaching Milan with a delay of approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The affected aircraft remained grounded in Toulouse for about 14 hours before returning to service.
Investigators have opened a formal inquiry into the incident, focusing on the severity and sudden onset of the turbulence as well as cabin safety measures. The event serves as another stark reminder of the dangers posed by clear-air turbulence, especially when passengers or crew are not secured.
