Christmas eve nightmare leaves travelers stranded as flight to Manchester takes a terrifying turn

In a harrowing incident, a P&O Caribbean cruise charter flight from Barbados to Manchester encountered severe turbulence, resulting in 11 passengers sustaining injuries. The unexpected mid-air ordeal forced the pilot to divert the plane to Bermuda, leaving travelers shaken and stranded on Christmas Eve.

Terrifying Turbulence Described as “Sheer Chaos”

Passengers aboard the Maleth Aero Flight 1975 found themselves in a state of panic as the aircraft experienced what was described as “freak turbulence.” A witness likened the ordeal to a rollercoaster, with the sudden and intense drops reminiscent of the thrill ride “Oblivion at Alton Towers.” The turbulence struck two hours into the journey, creating chaos on board.

Emergency Diversion to Bermuda

The severity of the turbulence compelled the pilot to make an emergency diversion to Bermuda. Out of the 11 passengers injured, all were rushed to a hospital in Bermuda for treatment. The unexpected stopover forced the travelers, originally bound for Manchester, to spend Christmas Day and a significant part of Boxing Day stranded in Bermuda.

Passenger’s Terrifying Account

One passenger, who requested anonymity, shared her terrifying experience, emphasizing that the turbulence felt like the plane was “just going to keep dropping.” She recounted the sudden and unanticipated drop of the aircraft, likening it to a rollercoaster but on a much larger scale. The turbulent episode lasted about five seconds, followed by a brief pause, and then repeated for another five seconds, causing distress, screaming, and flickering lights.

Limited Communication and Unforeseen Changes

The affected passengers expressed concerns about the limited communication regarding their return flight and the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Despite the unexpected turn of events, they acknowledged the accommodations provided in Bermuda were “lovely.” The disruption was exacerbated by flight changes, leaving many unsure of their travel arrangements.

P&O Apologizes for Disruption

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for P&O issued an apology, acknowledging the disruption to the travelers’ journey. They highlighted the collaboration with the airline and hotels to ensure the well-being of the affected guests. The spokesperson reassured the passengers that efforts were being made to get them home as soon as possible.

As the passengers await their rescheduled flight, the unexpected turbulence serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel.