Patricia CaleonAn Air New Zealand domestic flight travelling from Wellington to Queenstown (NZ607) experienced severe turbulence on Sunday, 16 June 2024, resulting in injuries to a passenger and crew member.
Also read: Brace Yourself: Severe Turbulence and Climate Change Go Hand in Hand
What happened on board NZ607
Image credit: Pascal Borener via Canva Pro
This incident occurred not long after departure during beverage service. The sudden jolt caused a cart to overturn, spilling hot coffee on a passenger who was buckled in. Another crew member reportedly hit the ceiling due to the turbulence.
Air New Zealand acknowledged the incident in a statement, confirming that a passenger and crew member were injured. The airline emphasised that their crew is trained to handle turbulence and has specific protocols in place for when passengers and crew need to be seated.
Captain David Morgan, Air New Zealand’s Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, highlighted the unpredictable nature of clear-air turbulence, which can be undetectable by pilots. He reassured the public that the airline continuously reviews its procedures to prioritise passenger and crew safety.
Also read: Singapore Airlines Imposes New Protocols After Severe Turbulence
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following crew instructions and remaining seated with your seatbelt fastened throughout a flight, even during seemingly calm stretches.
Featured image credit: Air New Zealand | Official Facebook
