The incident was reported by the Global Times, publishing a video filmed by one of the passengers on the Shanghai-Beijing flight.
The footage shows how, during a sharp descent of the liner, screaming people are thrown up. Together with them, pillows, water bottles, bags and other things fly up to the ceiling. As a result, one passenger and one flight attendant were injured. It is specified that the flight attendant hit the ceiling of the aircraft.
According to passengers on board, the turbulence began about 30 to 40 minutes before landing. There was a sudden sharp decline followed by another intense descent within a very short period of time. The sudden jolts and violent shaking of the plane took people by surprise.
“I saw a flight attendant who was covering a woman being thrown up to the ceiling. The ceiling cracked and the exit sign fell to the floor at my feet,” said Xing Lida, a professor at the China University of Geosciences and a well-known Chinese Twitter blogger who was one of the passengers of this aircraft.
According to the blogger, despite the incident, there was only a slight delay at the destination. The passengers left the cabin in an organized manner, with the exception of two victims who remained on the plane.
“I want to pay my respects to the flight attendants of Air China. Despite their own fear, they jumped up to protect the passengers who were not wearing their seat belts and held them tightly. They then proceeded to help the injured professionally and calmly. I sincerely appreciate their dedication and professionalism“ Sin added.
As a result, the flight landed safely in Beijing, and the victims were hospitalized. According to an eyewitness, when the plane finally touched down, “everyone burst into applause.”
Air China responded to the incident by confirming that the Airbus A330-300 did encounter unexpected turbulence while flying in clear weather.
“We will continue to prioritize safety and provide excellent service. We appreciate the support and concern from our valued passengers,” Air China said in a statement.