Ten injured after severe turbulence hits Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 en route to Hong Kong

Ten people were injured after a Cathay Pacific flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong encountered severe turbulence during the final stage of the journey. The incident occurred on board flight CX156 on Saturday, 23 May, operated by an Airbus A350-900 registered B-LRV. According to multiple passenger accounts, the aircraft suddenly dropped approximately two hours before landing in Hong Kong, causing chaos inside the cabin.

Cathay Pacific confirmed that six cabin crew members and four passengers sustained injuries during the turbulence encounter. Eight of them were transported to hospital after the aircraft landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport around 06:45 local time. The airline said all injuries were considered minor.

Passengers described terrifying scenes on board, with food carts overturning and loose items being thrown around the cabin. Some travellers compared the sudden drop to a “drop tower” amusement ride. Photos shared on social media showed meals, drinks and service equipment scattered throughout the aircraft cabin.

According to eyewitnesses, the turbulence struck during breakfast service while many passengers and crew members were not seated. Several passengers said there had been little or no warning before the aircraft abruptly lost altitude.

One passenger told Australian media that “people were screaming” as phones, drinks and food hit the ceiling during the violent turbulence encounter.

The aircraft continued safely to Hong Kong, where medical personnel boarded immediately after arrival to assist injured passengers and crew.