Transatlantic Flight Chaos: Passengers Tossed As Turbulence Forces Emergency Return
A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight from Copenhagen to Miami made an emergency return to Copenhagen after encountering severe turbulence over Greenland, resulting in a chaotic scene where passengers and luggage were flung through the cabin. Flight SK957, carrying 254 passengers, experienced such violent air pockets that a passenger was reportedly thrown onto the cabin ceiling, as captured in a viral video recorded by fellow passenger Sammy Solstad.
Solstad, a Swedish-American YouTuber, shared his harrowing experience with FOX Business. He recounted initially dismissing the increasing turbulence, stating it was initially "a little bit [turbulent], nothing crazy". However, his wife's concern and the escalating severity of the shaking prompted him to start filming. The video, which has since garnered significant online attention, depicts a terrifying scene of screams and flying debris as passengers are tossed around the cabin. In a particularly alarming moment, Solstad is heard shouting "Help her up!", referencing a passenger who had been thrown onto the ceiling.
Solstad described the scene, noting a Belgian passenger "flew up to the ceiling and back on the floor," emphasising the inability of the cabin crew to assist immediately due to the ongoing turbulence. He personally intervened, highlighting the lack of immediate assistance from the flight crew during the most intense period of the turbulence.
Instead of diverting to the nearest airport in Canada, approximately 30 minutes away, the pilot was instructed by SAS to return to Copenhagen, a five-hour flight over the open ocean. This decision caused further distress among the passengers, as Solstad explained, leading to widespread panic at the prospect of spending five hours on a potentially damaged aircraft over the Atlantic. He criticised the decision to fly back to Scandinavia rather than making an emergency landing in Canada, believing that the safety of the passengers was compromised.
Upon landing in Copenhagen, passengers were provided with hotel accommodation and assistance with rebooking their flights, according to a statement released by SAS to CNN. The airline reported no injuries amongst the passengers or crew. However, FOX Business' requests for comment from SAS remained unanswered at the time of publication.
Solstad's video provides a visceral depiction of the severity of the turbulence and highlights concerns about the decision-making process regarding the flight's diversion. While SAS has addressed the immediate aftermath by providing accommodation and rebooking flights, the incident raises questions about emergency procedures and the communication between the flight crew and airline management during such critical situations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the potential for even routine flights to encounter unexpectedly hazardous conditions.
