Breaking News: EasyJet Flight Diverts to Rome After Severe Turbulence Injures Crew Members

In a recent incident of in-flight turbulence, EasyJet flight 8210, traveling from Corfu to London Gatwick on August 19, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Rome. The sudden turbulence, which occurred over Italian airspace, resulted in injuries to two crew members, prompting the captain to alter the flight’s course.

The passengers, who were unharmed, continued their journey to the UK later that day on a replacement aircraft. The Airbus A320 was cruising at an altitude of 31,000 feet and reached speeds of 500 knots (575 mph) during the 75-minute flight before it was diverted.

A spokesperson for EasyJet confirmed the incident, emphasizing the airline's commitment to the safety and wellbeing of both passengers and crew. The spokesperson stated, “Flight EZY8120 from Corfu to London Gatwick on 19 August experienced turbulence which unfortunately resulted in two cabin crew members being injured. As a result, the Captain took the decision to divert to Rome where the crew members were met by medical services.”

Italy’s national aviation safety agency, Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurezza del Volo (ANSV), has launched an investigation into the event, classifying it as an accident due to the severity of the injuries sustained by the crew members.

The incident comes amid a rise in turbulence-related accidents, which experts warn could become more frequent due to the ongoing climate crisis. Passengers are reminded to keep their seatbelts fastened at all times during flights to reduce the risk of injury.

This incident follows a series of turbulence-related accidents this year, including a tragic event in May when a British passenger died and over 70 others were injured on a Singapore Airlines flight.