Severe turbulence forces emergency landing

A Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport early yesterday after six passengers and a crew member were injured when the aircraft was buffeted by severe turbulence over India.

The Airbus A340 with 285 passengers on board, was on its way to Bahrain from Hong Kong via Bangkok.

Abu Dhabi airport authorities were on full alert when Flight GF 151 landed safely. An airline spokesman said an Arab stewardess had broken her leg while helping passengers during the turbulence. She was taken to Mafraq Hospital. Her condition is stable. She is likely to be released from hospital soon.

He said: "A doctor among the passengers gave her basic medical care. The passengers sustained minor bruises and scratches and were provided with first aid in the plane upon landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport."

He assured that no national from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is on the list of injured, which includes two Chinese, two Iraqis, one Congolese and one Tanzanian.

The plane resumed its journey to Bahrain and was received there by Gulf Air officials and medical crew.

A spokesman said Gulf Air expressed regret over the incident which, he added, was beyond its control. The plane did not develop any technical fault during or after the turbulence.

Another source said airline Chief Executive James Hogan, who happened to be in the capital, visited the stewardess in hospital. He was accompanied by senior Gulf Air officials who carried bouquets for her.

Hogan also held a meeting with officials in the capital and contacted flight crew about the incident before heading for Bahrain yesterday afternoon.