Ten people were injured when a Cathay Pacific flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong encountered severe turbulence mid-air, the airline confirmed. The incident occurred on May 22 aboard flight CX156, operated by an Airbus A350-900, during the roughly eight-and-a-half-hour journey.
Cathay Pacific stated that six cabin crew and four passengers suffered minor injuries. The aircraft landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport at about 6:45 a.m. local time, with emergency personnel on standby. Medical personnel boarded to assess those feeling unwell, and eight people were transported to North Lantau Hospital in Tung Chung, while two others were treated at the airport.
The turbulence struck while cabin crew were serving meals, leaving them particularly vulnerable as they moved through the aisles unsecured. Aviation safety experts note that cabin crew face the greatest risk during sudden turbulence, with heavy food carts capable of becoming dangerous projectiles. Photos and videos shared online showed food containers, napkins, and loose items scattered across the cabin floor.
Social media users reported that the turbulence “wrecked the galley,” forcing cancellation of the breakfast service. One passenger described the experience as feeling like “free-falling from a drop tower.” After landing, the plane was parked near maintenance hangars for inspection and cleaning. Cathay Pacific said it is investigating the incident and assisting affected passengers and crew.
The incident comes nearly two years after Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 encountered extreme turbulence over Myanmar, killing one passenger and seriously injuring dozens, including an Australian woman left paralyzed from the waist down.
