Turbulence once again marred a commercial flight after two passengers were injured on a TAP connection between Brussels and Lisbon. The incident took place last Wednesday, May 27, and required medical attention for the victims after landing at Humberto Delgado Airport. According to , the injuries occurred following an episode of unforeseen strong turbulence during flight TP643.
The two people were assisted upon arrival in Lisbon and ended up transported to a hospital. According to the same source, one of the victims suffered a blow to the head, while the other had a small cut. The aircraft landed with priority at the airport in the Portuguese capital.
When turbulence arises without warning
TAP confirmed the incident through an official source, explaining that the episode happened during the route between Brussels and Lisbon. The newspaper writes that the turbulence was not expected, which made it difficult for passengers to prepare for the impact felt on board.
Situations like this continue to occur on different airline routes, especially in phases of the flight where passengers are already circulating in the cabin or removing their seat belts after the light has been turned off.
There are areas of the plane where the impact is smaller
Heather Poole, a flight attendant for more than two decades and author of the book “Cruising Attitude”, explains that the location of the seat within the plane can influence the way turbulence is felt. Quoted by National Geographic magazine, the flight attendant explains that the rear region tends to undergo more intense movements.
“The turbulence is much worse in the back of the plane,” says Heather Poole, quoted by the publication. The flight attendant reports that she has seen passengers in economy class “hold on as if they were in a rodeo”, while at the front of the aircraft the impact felt different.
Traveling earlier can help
Flying early in the day is another strategy suggested to reduce the likelihood of more intense turbulence. Heather Poole explains that atmospheric conditions tend to be more stable during the early morning hours.
The publication adds that choosing seats closer to the front of the plane can provide a less uncomfortable experience in situations of atmospheric instability, especially on longer flights.
Belt continues to be decisive
The most important recommendation continues to be wearing a seat belt throughout the flight, even when the warning light is off. National Geographic says this measure can prevent injuries caused by impacts against luggage compartments or seats.
Heather Poole also advises passengers to avoid getting up unnecessarily during episodes of turbulence and asks for special attention in situations involving children or hot drinks inside the cabin.
Anxiety can worsen the experience
Turbulence is also identified as one of the main causes of anxiety among frequent and occasional passengers. Informing the crew about discomfort or fear of flying can help flight attendants monitor the situation more closely.
Heather Poole explains that the feeling of loss of control is often associated with fear caused by turbulence. According to the publication, better understanding the phenomenon can help some passengers reduce the emotional impact during the flight.
Applications help you monitor the weather
There are currently mobile applications that allow you to monitor weather conditions and possible turbulence zones during air travel. The same source writes that platforms such as My Radar or Soar help passengers better understand atmospheric changes along the route.
Knowing the flight conditions in advance can help reduce the uncertainty associated with moments of instability, especially among people who are more sensitive to sudden aircraft movements.
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