A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Tunis was diverted after severe turbulence hit the aircraft during stormy weather. The incident happened as the plane approached Tunis-Carthage International Airport on September 10.
Passengers captured videos showing the aircraft shaking violently during the descent. Screams and shouts could be heard inside the cabin as travelers held onto their seats.
According to reports cited by the source, weather conditions around Tunis had worsened because of a storm. The difficult conditions made the final approach increasingly challenging for the flight crew.
Pilot Aborts Multiple Landing Attempts
The captain reportedly made several attempts to land at Tunis-Carthage Airport. However, each approach had to be abandoned as the aircraft encountered the severe weather.
The repeated attempts added to the anxiety inside the cabin. Passengers remained in their seats while the aircraft circled through the storm and prepared for another approach.
Eventually, the crew decided to divert the flight to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport. The airport is located around 60 miles south of Tunis.
Flight-tracking information cited in the report showed that the aircraft later left Enfidha-Hammamet. It subsequently arrived in Tunis.
Passengers Describe Terrifying Turbulence
Passenger Marina Maiskaya shared footage of the incident on Instagram. The video shows passengers gripping their seats while the aircraft experiences intense movement.
Maiskaya said the flight had been smooth until the descent began. She described the experience as the most frightening flight she had experienced.
She also said her mother was travelling with her. According to Maiskaya, the pilot attempted to land three times during the storm.
The passenger said the aircraft was violently shaken during each attempt. She also described the third approach as particularly frightening.
Despite the difficult conditions, the aircraft was eventually diverted safely to Enfidha-Hammamet Airport.
Flight Lands Safely After Diversion
The diversion allowed the crew to avoid the worsening conditions around Tunis-Carthage. The aircraft later continued its journey to Tunis after departing Enfidha.
No serious injuries have been reported in connection with the incident so far.
Maiskaya praised the Turkish Airlines pilots after the aircraft reached its destination safely. Her comments reflected the relief felt by passengers following the frightening descent.
Severe turbulence can cause sudden and powerful aircraft movements. However, modern commercial aircraft are designed to withstand significant turbulence, while pilots can change altitude or divert when weather makes an approach unsafe.
For passengers on the Turkish Airlines flight, the experience was clearly alarming. Nevertheless, the crew ultimately completed the journey safely after choosing to divert from Tunis-Carthage.
