AN Air Europa flight on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, traveling from Spain to Uruguay, was diverted to Natal Airport in Brazil for an emergency landing after encountering severe turbulence.
A viral video of the incident is circulating on social media, showing other passengers helping rescue a man from the overhead compartment, where he had been thrown due to the intense turbulence.
Local air engineers in Brazil noted that the plane passed through the Intertropical Convergence Zone near the equator, where turbulence is common for flights crossing hemispheres, such as from Europe to South America.
As many as 30 passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to Monsehor Walfredo Gurgel Hospital in Brazil, for treatment.
Meanwhile, Air Europa has arranged transport back to Uruguay for the passengers. A new flight from Spain will pick up those who did not take the bus option.
