Passengers aboard a P&O Caribbean cruise charter flight bound for Manchester Airport were subjected to severe turbulence, resulting in 11 injuries. 

According to Mirror, the Maleth Aero Flight 1975, carrying 225 passengers, had embarked on its journey from Barbados on Christmas Eve but was compelled to divert to Bermuda for an unexpected three-day hiatus. 

Fortunately, the 13 crew members remained unharmed during the turbulent episode.

Originally slated to return to the UK on Sunday, the passengers found themselves spending Christmas Day in Bermuda, with Boxing Day also earmarked for an extended stay as the aircraft undergoes mandatory legislative checks. 

The Airbus A300-200 encountered the turbulence approximately two-and-a-half hours into the flight at an altitude of 38,000 feet, prompting the emergency diversion to Bermuda’s LF Wade International Airport.

Despite the initial expectation of a Manchester arrival shortly before 6 am on December 24, the aircraft touched down in Bermuda five hours after takeoff. The subsequent departure is scheduled for 4 pm, with an anticipated arrival in Manchester in the early hours of the following day.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises expressed regret for the disruption, explaining, “A flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda earlier yesterday morning following freak (unexpected) turbulence.” 

They assured passengers that efforts were underway to coordinate with the airline and hotels to facilitate a swift return home.

Acknowledging the disruption, Bermuda’s acting minister of National Security, Owen Darrell, assured that the authorities were diligently working to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved.  

“We are aware of the situation and are diligently working to ensure the well-being of all involved. We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our emergency services personnel who ensured the safety of the passengers and crew,” he said.