26 December 2023 , 10:41
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Passengers on a flight bound for Manchester Airport have been left in terror during extreme turbulence, with 11 people injured.
The P&O Caribbean cruise charter flight - with 225 passengers on board - had set off from Barbados on Christmas Eve but was forced to divert to Bermuda for nearly three days. The Maleth Aero Flight 1975's 13 crew members were unharmed during the incident.
The emergency diversion meant passengers - who were due back to the UK on Sunday - had to spend Christmas Day, and are due to spend much of Boxing Day, in Bermuda while the plane undergoes legislative aircraft checks.
The plane had taken off an hour late from Barbados and was expected to arrive at Manchester shortly before 6am on December 24. Two-and-a-half hours into the flight, while cruising at 38,000 feet, the Airbus A300-200 experienced severe “clear-air turbulence”.
The pilots diverted to Bermuda’s LF Wade International Airport, touching down five hours after taking off. The aircraft is scheduled to depart at 4pm today, with an arrival in the early hours of tomorrow. A spokesperson for P&O Cruises told the Independent yesterday: “A flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda earlier yesterday morning following freak (unexpected) turbulence.
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“Having explored all flying options and due to airport operating times, guests are in hotels today [December 25]. We are very sorry for this disruption to their journey following their holiday and we are working with the airline and hotels to take care of them and ensure they get home as soon as possible tomorrow.”
Bermuda’s acting minister of National Security, Owen Darrell, said: “We are aware of the situation and are diligently working to ensure the well-being of all involved. We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our emergency services personnel who ensured the safety of the passengers and crew.”