Several people were injured after a Delta Air Lines flight encountered severe turbulence while descending into Sydney, according to multiple news reports on Friday. The aircraft, identified as Delta Flight 41, had been travelling from Los Angeles to Australia when it hit what the airline described as a sudden bout of turbulence shortly before landing.
The Airbus A350, carrying around 245 passengers and 15 crew members, landed safely at Sydney Airport early in the morning, where emergency services were already on standby following reports of injuries onboard.
Airline officials confirmed that several crew members were hurt during the incident, with at least four flight attendants sustaining injuries. Paramedics assessed multiple individuals after the plane touched down, and three crew members were taken to hospital for further treatment. Their injuries were described as minor, including back pain, head injuries and other physical discomfort.
While initial emergency reports suggested a number of people required medical attention, Delta maintained that no passengers were seriously injured. Some discrepancies emerged between airline statements and ambulance reports, with authorities indicating that up to five individuals were assessed at the scene.
The turbulence occurred during the aircraft’s descent into Sydney, a phase of flight often vulnerable to changing weather conditions. Reports indicated the plane adjusted its approach path shortly before landing, although officials said the incident did not appear to be directly linked to broader weather systems affecting parts of Australia at the time.
In a statement, Delta Air Lines said the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority and that it is supporting those affected. Aviation experts frequently stress the importance of wearing seat belts during flights, noting that unexpected turbulence can occur even under otherwise stable conditions.
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