Cabin crew injured after 'unexpected and severe' turbulence rocks Bonza flight

BONZA BOEING 737 MAX 8 VH-UIK (MSN 43975)

Cabin crew have been left injured after a flight in Queensland was rocked by severe turbulence.

Bonza flight AB626 departed Rockhampton (ROK/YBRK) 20 minutes late at 3.55pm from runway 33 on Tuesday to make its way to the Sunshine Coast (MCY/YBSU) landing there on runway 13 at 4.40pm.

During the flight the aircraft experienced “unexpected and very severe turbulence” which led to some staff receiving injuries, Bonza Chief Executive Tim Jordon said. He confirmed the plane was later able to safely land at Sunshine Coast Airport.

“At this time, no customers have presented with injuries and the cabin crew are currently being assessed by medical professionals,” he said.

“Our priority is always the safety of our staff and customers, and we will be supporting our cabin crew legends as they need.” The airline boss did not detail how many cabin crew members were injured or the extent of the injuries.

The aircraft was being assessed and a scheduled flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mildura (MQL/YMIA), AB603, had been cancelled.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Bonza

Code: AB/BNZ

Aircraft: Boeing 737-Max 8

Registration: VH-UJK

Serial Number: 43974

Engines: 2 x CFMI LEAP-1B

First Flew: 16th May 2019

Age at accident: 4 Yrs 6 Mts