Eight passengers were hospitalized after an Avianca Airlines flight heading to New York City had to divert to Miami due to turbulence, as confirmed by local officials and the airline. Greg Chin, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s communications director, stated that Avianca Flight 042, flying from Medellin, Colombia, to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, landed at Miami International Airport at 3:30 a.m. Chin informed CBC News that eight passengers were taken to a nearby hospital, although the severity of their injuries was not immediately known.
Avianca released a statement to CBC explaining that the flight experienced unexpected turbulence during its journey, prompting the diversion to Miami International Airport for safety reasons. The airline mentioned that three crew members and six passengers were affected, but did not specify who required hospitalization. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department reported transporting one individual to the main trauma center, while seven others were taken to local hospitals via private ambulances following reports of turbulence on the aircraft at 3:10 a.m.
Witnesses, including passenger Maria Paula Jimenez, described a scene of multiple fire department vehicles with flashing lights on the airport tarmac upon landing in Miami. Jimenez noted the abnormality of the situation, stating, “When we arrived, well, you know, it wasn’t normal.” The flight was rescheduled to depart for JFK International Airport at 8:15 a.m. with the remaining passengers, as confirmed by Chin. Avianca ensured arrangements for the unaffected passengers to continue their journey to New York while maintaining communication with those impacted by the incident.
The airline emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the safety of both customers and employees throughout its operations.
