Qatar Airways plane hits turbulence on Doha-Dublin flight

QATAR AIRBUS A380-842 A7-APC (MSN 145)

Just days after the Singapore Airlines turbulence incident, another twelve individuals were injured, eight of whom were hospitalized, following severe turbulence on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha-Hamad International Airport (DOH/OTHH) to Dublin Airport (DUB/EIDW), according to Dublin Airport authorities.

Flight QR017, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, touched down safely and on schedule before 1 pm local time on Sunday, the airport confirmed.

"Emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, were on the scene upon landing due to six passengers and six crew members [12 in total] reporting injuries after the aircraft encountered turbulence over Turkey," stated Dublin Airport.

"Before leaving the aircraft, all passengers were evaluated for injuries. Eight individuals were then transported to the hospital with varying degrees of injury," the airport added. Irish media reported that the turbulence, which occurred during meal service, lasted less than 20 seconds.

Passenger Paul Mocc described a scene where "people hit the ceiling," with food and beverages scattered throughout.

Emma Rose Power, another passenger, recounted to RTE that post-turbulence, she observed flight attendants with facial scratches and ice packs, and one attendant wearing an arm sling. Qatar Airways acknowledged that a "small number" of passengers and crew were injured during the flight and are currently receiving medical care.

While the airline did not comment specifically on the turbulence, it mentioned that the incident is under internal review.

"Our passengers' and crew's safety and security always come first," the airline emphasized.

This event occurred merely five days after a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore had to make an emergency landing in Bangkok due to severe turbulence, resulting in the death of a 73-year-old British citizen and leaving 20 others critically injured.

A 2021 study indicated that turbulence is the leading cause of airline accidents.

Aircraft Information: 

Airline: Qatar Airways 

Code: QR/QTR

Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 

Registration: A7-BHM

Serial Number: 64222

Engine: 2 x GENX 1B

First Flew: 20th January 2021

Age: 3.4 Years Old