Calling all globetrotting seniors! Who doesn't love a little adventure and travel to explore the wonders of the world? But as we embark on exciting trips to visit loved ones or to experience other cultures, safety remains an essential aspect, especially when flying.

Just imagine being on a plane, getting all comfortable in your seat, eagerly anticipating your arrival at your dream destination, when suddenly, a violent bout of turbulence rocks the plane, leaving you frightened and disoriented!

Passengers cautiously brace themselves as turbulence tests their composure. Photo by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash

That's precisely the harrowing ordeal passengers on one recent Air India flight from Delhi to Sydney endured. Flight AI-302 took off as planned from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and was expected to arrive in Sydney without incident. However, the tranquillity of the journey came to a screeching halt when the plane 'encountered turbulence mid-air, leading to discomfort to the passengers on board,' according to the airline.

Initially, reports suggested that up to seven passengers sustained injuries, including sprains, during the shocking and distressing in-flight episode. Thankfully, cabin crew members were fast to provide first aid to the injured, and they were even assisted by a doctor and nurse who just happened to be travelling on the flight. Talk about good timing!

Upon arrival in Sydney, three passengers required treatment for their injuries. Fortunately, none were severe enough to warrant hospitalisation.

According to an Air India spokesperson, 'This onboard incident has been reported to the relevant authorities as a standard practice.' It seems that the concerned airline is not taking this incident lightly.

Causes of Turbulence During Flights​

Turbulence during flights is a common occurrence and is most often a result of adverse weather conditions. It can be caused by a variety of weather systems, such as thunderstorms, jet streams, and areas of high or low atmospheric pressure.

Turbulence can also be caused by pilots navigating their planes through areas where the air is turbulent, such as mountain passes or areas where cold and warm air meet. The intensity of turbulence can also be determined by the plane's altitude, as lower altitudes typically result in more turbulent air.

Airline pilot errors can also cause turbulence, such as when a pilot enters a turn too quickly, doesn't slow down sufficiently, or fails to climb when directed by air traffic control. In addition, turbulence can be caused by human actions, such as when a group of passengers on one side of the plane stand up in unison, which can shift the plane's gravity centre.

To minimise turbulence-related risks, pilots are trained to pay close attention to their onboard instruments, listen to their ground crew, and adjust their speed and heading as necessary to avoid turbulence.

Now let's address the elephant in the room: how can we ensure our safety when travelling by air and encountering such unexpected events?

Fear not; we’ve got some crucial safety tips for you:​

1. Always wear your seatbelt. Keep your seatbelt fastened throughout your flight, even when the seatbelt sign is off. Unexpected turbulence can strike at any moment, and having your seatbelt on will keep you secure in your seat.
2. Choose a seat towards the centre of the plane. Turbulence tends to be less severe in the middle part of the aircraft, as it's closer to the centre of gravity. So when booking your flight, bear in mind the location of your seat!
3. Keep your cool. Remember, pilots and cabin crew members are trained to handle turbulence. Trust their expertise and remain calm during these moments of distress.
4. Abide by the crew's instructions. Listen carefully to any announcements from the cabin crew, and follow their guidance during turbulence.
5. Be mindful of what you consume. Limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine while flying can minimise the risk of dehydration and contribute to a calmer mindset.

Key Takeaways

• Several passengers on an Air India flight from Delhi to Sydney were injured due to severe turbulence during the journey.
• Three passengers were treated upon arrival, but none required hospitalisation.
• Earlier reports suggested up to seven passengers sustained minor injuries, including sprains.
• Cabin crew provided first aid to passengers, with assistance from a doctor and nurse who were also on the flight.

Have you ever encountered turbulence during a flight? How do you cope with it, and what strategies do you use to stay calm and relaxed during those moments? We hope that these tips will ensure you have safe, comfortable journeys—no matter where your travel dreams take you. Happy flying!

 

[poppyshero]

I have experienced severe turbulence many times on flights around the world, being a private pilot in my younger days it was never a worry for me, planes are built to handle the loads and pilots are trained to handle tubulence in flight. When injuries occur it is usually because people do not have their seat belt on and are thrown around the cabin. Unless using the toilet sit in your seat with the seat belt fastened.

 

[Ezzy]

I am sure we have all experienced turbulence when flying. I have never suffered injury because I wear my seatbelt throughout the entire flight. Not uncomfortable at all. Never been caught in the w.c. yet when this has happened (thank goodness).