Shannon Airport emergency landing: 16 in hospital

The Boeing 767-300 aircraft at Shannon Airport in County Clare after making an emergency landing this morning

Sixteen people have been injured after turbulence prompted a transatlantic flight to make an emergency landing in the Republic of Ireland.

Fourteen passengers and two crew members were taken to hospital from Shannon Airport at about 06:00 BST.


The emergency landing in County Clare followed "severe and unexpected turbulence". The United Airlines flight was travelling from Houston, Texas, to London Heathrow when it diverted.

What causes plane turbulence in the skies?

According to to the Federal Aviation Administration, turbulence can be caused by:

• air movement not normally seen
• atmospheric pressure
• jet streams
• air around mountains
• cold or warm weather fronts
• thunderstorms

In-air turbulence is the leading cause of injury to people on flights, according to the FAA, and on average 58 people in the US are injured during turbulent flights when not wearing seatbelts every year. Most accidents involving turbulence happen at 30,000 ft (9144m) or above.

The injured passengers and crew were taken to University Hospital, Limerick, for treatment. The Boeing 767-300 jet had 207 passengers and 13 crew members on board, and had been due to arrive at Heathrow at 06:55 BST.

"The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel," said the airline.
"United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880."