On June 16, severe turbulence on an Air New Zealand Airbus A320 flying from Wellington to Queenstown resulted in a passenger suffering burns and a crew member being propelled against the cabin ceiling.
According to a report by the Independent, the passenger, identified only as “Suze,” recounted that turbulence struck just as the drink cart reached her. This sudden jolt caused a flight attendant to be propelled upward, and hot coffee from dislodged pot lids spilt onto her.
Suze described her immediate response as: “There’s nothing you can do. You’re strapped in… I could grab a bottle of cold water and start dousing myself.” She also mentioned receiving assistance from a paramedic seated nearby.
Both the scalded passenger and the injured crew member were taken to Lake District Hospital in moderate condition, according to the NZ Herald. Following the ordeal, Suze urged Air New Zealand to reevaluate serving hot drinks on short flights and to improve their coffee pot lids.
Air NZ’s Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, Captain David Morgan, stated the airline is reviewing its procedures. He emphasized that crew training and current operational protocols are designed to manage such turbulence.
Morgan explained, “Clear-air turbulence can occur unexpectedly at cruising altitudes, and we continually update our procedures to prioritize safety.”
This incident has sparked a broader discussion on the safety measures for in-flight service during short journeys.
