Severe Turbulence Injures Passengers on Ryanair Flight from Tenerife to Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM / TENERIFE

29 December 2025

A Ryanair flight from Tenerife, Canary Islands to Birmingham, UK encountered severe turbulence mid-air, resulting in multiple passenger injuries and an emergency response upon landing, according to passenger accounts and airline reports.

The turbulence which was reportedly sudden and violent occurred as the Boeing 737 aircraft was en route over the Atlantic. Several passengers were thrown from their seats, despite having fastened seatbelts, and cabin crew were also injured while assisting. Emergency services met the flight on arrival at Birmingham Airport, where medical personnel treated the injured.

Casualties and Response

Initial reports indicate that dozens of passengers sustained injuries, ranging from minor bruises and cuts to more serious conditions requiring hospital treatment. One passenger described the incident as “chaotic,” saying that unsecured luggage became airborne and the cabin lights flickered during the turbulence.

Medical teams transported several passengers to nearby hospitals for further evaluation, and others received treatment at the airport.

Ryanair confirmed the flight diversion and emergency response, stating that airline staff and airport authorities worked to assist passengers quickly and safely after landing. The airline has said it is cooperating with aviation safety investigators to determine the cause and sequence of events.

Safety and Weather Conditions

Aviation experts note that severe turbulence, while relatively rare, can occur when aircraft encounter unstable atmospheric conditions such as jet streams, convective weather systems, or wind shear. Forecasters had issued turbulence advisories along parts of the aircraft’s flight path earlier in the day, but the intensity experienced on this flight was described by passengers as extreme.

Airline and Authority Statements

Ryanair issued a statement confirming that flight crew followed safety protocols, and that all passengers and crew were wearing seatbelts at the time of turbulence, but that the severity of the event still led to injuries. The airline expressed support for those affected and said it would assist with ongoing medical needs and logistics.

The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has reportedly been notified and is expected to conduct a formal investigation into the incident, focusing on weather conditions, flight data and safety procedures.

Passenger Reactions

Passengers who survived the event described experiences of intense shaking and abrupt altitude changes, prompting screams and panic before the aircraft stabilised. One traveller said, “It felt like the plane dropped out from under us. People were thrown up from their seats despite belt use.”

Local news outlets have reported that emergency crews at Birmingham Airport were under pressure to triage numerous patients, some displaying visible injuries from the sudden episode.

Aaron Joyce

Newswire, L.T.T Media

Newsdesk

30 December 2025