A passenger aircraft operated by Etihad Airways on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route encountered severe turbulence while preparing to land in Thailand. Some passengers sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft landed safely at Phuket International Airport.
According to a report by the local newspaper Khaosod, the aircraft belonging to Etihad Airways PJSC was caught in turbulence while approaching the airport in Thailand’s Phuket province. Following the incident, necessary security and medical measures were swiftly implemented by airport authorities.
Flight Completed Safely
According to FlightAware flight tracking data, flight EY416 departed Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and arrived in Phuket at 12:00 local time. Phuket International Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode stated that, based on initial assessments, none of the 160 passengers on board were seriously injured.
Authorities reported that passengers underwent medical checks after landing and that all of them left the airport.
Turbulence Incidents on the Aviation Agenda
In recent years, turbulence-related incidents have been closely monitored within the aviation industry. In 2024, a Singapore Airlines aircraft operating a London–Singapore flight encountered severe turbulence in Thai airspace and was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok. In that incident, one passenger lost their life, and many passengers and crew members were seriously injured.
Experts point out that turbulence risks linked to weather conditions can increase from time to time, particularly in tropical regions.
