Business & money ·
Report dated 25 April 2010.
A Kochi-bound Emirates flight encountered a short period of heavy turbulence on Sunday.
The ANI & PTI news agencies reported that the flight hit an air-pocket and suddenly dropped from a height of 20,000 to 1,500 feet while flying over Goa.
The pilot was able to regain control before impact despite dropping 18,500 feet, and landed the Boeing 777 safely at Nedumbasserry airport in Kochi, the reports said.
The incident occurred at around 10.30am Indian time (9.00am UAE time) and the Goa Air Traffic Control was the first to report the incident.
News agencies attributed the air pocket to turbulence caused by rains in the Goa-Kerala region in India.
An air pocket is a downward air current that causes an aircraft to lose altitude abruptly. It is a localised region of low air density or a descending air current, causing an aircraft to suffer an abrupt decrease in height.
Majid Al Mualla - Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West Asia & Indian Ocean: "EK530 from Dubai to Kochi encountered a short period of heavy turbulence prior to descent into India. There were 350 passengers on board the flight, 20 of whom suffered minor injuries. The flight landed safely in Kochi and the captain requested medical support to meet the aircraft. All affected passengers were treated and have now been released. Emirates places the highest importance on the safety of our passengers and staff."