On August 11, 2024, an EVA Air flight encountered severe turbulence approximately two hours after departing Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport en route to Taipei, Taiwan. The incident occurred during meal service as the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet.
Six flight attendants sustained injuries due to the unexpected and violent shaking of the aircraft. The sudden turbulence caused chaos in the cabin, with food and drinks spilling everywhere. Passengers described the experience as terrifying, as they were thrown around by the force of the air pockets.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER (Reg. B-16711), continued its journey and landed safely at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. While the incident caused alarm and disruption, there were no reports of injuries among the passengers. Following the incident, EVA Air expressed its concern for the injured flight attendants and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the severe turbulence. The airline also pledged to provide necessary support to the affected crew members.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of air travel, even in seemingly calm conditions. Clear air turbulence, which is difficult to predict, can pose significant risks to both passengers and crew. Aviation authorities and airlines continue to invest in research and technology to improve turbulence detection and mitigation strategies.