‘Extraordinary’ turbulence: Eleven injured on Barbados to Manchester flight, pilot forced to make emergency landing in Bermuda

Almost a dozen passengers were taken to hospital after “unusual” air turbulence forced a plane en route from Barbados to Manchester to divert less than three hours after take-off.

The 225 passengers and 13 crew on board the charter plane, which was carrying passengers on a P&O cruise, expected to return home for Christmas after leaving Barbados just before midnight on December 23.

But two and a half hours after the 1975 Maleth Aero flight took off from Barbados, the Airbus A300-200 experienced severe “clear sky turbulence” while flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet.

The plane was diverted to Bermuda and passengers were forced to spend Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day away from their families.

The 11 passengers were taken to hospital. Her welfare is currently unknown.

None of the 13 crew members were injured during the flight.

A replacement aircraft will depart at 4pm on Boxing Day and arrive in the UK in the early hours of Wednesday 27 December.

Bermuda’s Acting Minister of National Security, Owen Darrell, said: “We are aware of the situation and are working hard to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.” We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our first responders to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew.”

A P&O Cruises spokesman said: “A flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda early yesterday morning following bizarre (unexpected) turbulence.”

“After all flight options have been reviewed and due to airport opening times, guests are now staying in hotels [25 December].

“The flight home will take off tomorrow morning, December 26, after the required aircraft checks.”

“We deeply regret this disruption to their journey to the holiday and are working with the airline and hotels to look after them and ensure they get home as quickly as possible tomorrow.”