Maleth Aero Aircraft From Barbados Forced To Divert For Landing In Bermuda

British holidaymakers have instructed lawyers to investigate after 11 passengers onboard a chartered P&O cruise flight were hospitalised following severe turbulence.

Maleth Aero Flight 1975, which is believed to have had 225 passengers and 13 crew onboard, was en-route to Manchester from Barbados on 23 December 2023, when it is believed to have encountered a tropical storm. Severe turbulence forced the plane, an Airbus A300, to land in Bermuda.

Passengers reported that the plane plunged hundreds of feet in seconds, recovered and dropped again. They said a cabin crew food trolley hit the ceiling twice and people were thrown around the cabin. Seatbelt lights were not on and 11 sustained injuries serious enough to be taken to hospital in Bermuda, it has been reported.   

The aircraft had been chartered by P&O to return cruise passengers from Barbados to the UK.

Aviation law specialists within Irwin Mitchell’s specialist International Serious Injury department have been approached by a number of passengers affected by the incident.

Expert Opinion

“The first-hand accounts we’ve heard from the passengers we have spoken to who were caught up in this dramatic incident are extremely concerning.

“This was clearly a terrifying incident for all onboard. Initial reports suggest there was a tropical storm which other UK-bound flights diverted around but the Maleth Aero aircraft didn’t.

“Those passengers who have approached us have suffered a range of injuries including orthopaedic injury and emotional trauma.

“Airlines have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their passengers. Understandably, the passengers who have approached us have a number of questions over how the incident occurred.

“We are aware that this incident is being investigated by aviation accident investigation authorities and we look forward to learning the results of those investigations. We’re determined to support the passengers involved in this distressing incident and to help establish the answers they deserve, with a view to establishing whether anything can be done to avoid such incidents occurring again.” Daniel Matchett - Associate Solicitor

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling aviation cases at our dedicated aviation section.