A Qatar Airways plane en route from Doha to Manila experienced mid-air turbulence shortly before landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Saturday afternoon injuring at least 40 passengers.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Qatar Airways flight QR 932 experienced downdraft around 3 p.m., prompting the pilot to request priority landing from the Manila tower, citing that there were injured passengers.
CAAP Spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the mid air turbulence affected passengers who were not wearing their seatbelts.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported that two flight attendants and three minors were among the injured.
Victims sustained minor injuries and suffered abrasions but were given immediate medical attention.
Earlier reports said the plane had a hard landing and that passenger injuries were caused by the plane’s bumpy approach at Runway 06-24 of the NAIA.
However, CAAP clarified that mid-air turbulence was the cause of the injuries.
