Moments of Fear During the Landing Approach to Palma: Two Flight Attendants Injured

Moments of Fear During the Landing Approach to Palma

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On Sunday evening, Mallorca was hit by a short but intensely developing thunderstorm. Just after 21:00, while a Ryanair flight from northern Spain was approaching Palma, the aircraft encountered unexpectedly strong turbulence. The result: two flight attendants were injured and received on-site medical attention.

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How it unfolded

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The plane was reportedly about an hour into the flight, having departed from Vitoria-Gasteiz. The calm aboard held until the final approach – then the aircraft jolted as one passenger later described: It wasn't a jolt, it was a blow. Suddenly cups and a cart flew. About 180 people on board faced a gusty weather window.

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Two crew members were hit hardest: One flight attendant hit their head on the cabin ceiling, another was struck on the head by a tipping service cart. After landing, an ambulance waited at the passenger stairs; the two were treated on site by emergency responders and taken to the nearest hospital. Initial information indicated head injuries; details on severity and the condition of those involved were being checked in the evening.

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Passengers and staff: a moment to breathe

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The remaining passengers could disembark after a short time, with many visibly shaken but physically unharmed. An older couple said they stayed in their seats because the seat belt sign was on – good advice that isn’t heard often these days. The airport crew then attended to baggage and onward transfer. There were no major delays at the gates; flight operations continued.

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Such incidents remind us that turbulence can occur even in seemingly calm weather. Small local weather cells, gusts from thunderstorms, or downdrafts are not unusual in the Balearics, especially late summer and early autumn. Airport security emphasized how important it is to fasten the seat belt even during seemingly calm flights.

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The authorities are still investigating the incident. For now, the takeaway is: luck on our side — two injured, no other known casualties. Anyone flying in the coming hours should heed crew instructions and keep the seat belt fastened, even if the cabin crew is already tidying up.