Seven customers and one crew member were taken to the hospital after a JetBlue Airlines flight encountered “sudden severe turbulence” early Monday as it neared Florida, the airline said.
Flight 1256 from Guayaquil, Ecuador, landed safely at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport where it was met by medical personnel. The plane has since been taken out of service, JetBlue said.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will both investigate, the agencies confirmed.
Last month, 14 were injured after a Delta Air Lines plane experienced sudden turbulence on approach to Atlanta. In August, two flight attendants were injured after a United Airlines flight from Newark to Punta Cana experienced turbulence.
Last year, the FAA was aware of 17 serious injuries related to turbulence – up from the 13 reported serious injuries in 2019.
The plane landed safely at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, JetBlue said, where it was met by medical personnel.
Seven passengers and a crew member were hospitalized for evaluation and treatment, JetBlue said. No additional details were provided about their conditions.
The plane, JetBlue said, was taken out of service for an inspection.
According to the flight-tracking website FlightAware, the flight landed on time shortly before 5:30 a.m. ET.
In August, at least 11 people were hospitalized after a Delta Air Lines flight experienced strong turbulence.
In July, four people on an Allegiant flight from North Carolina to Florida were injured because of turbulence.
In March, a Lufthansa flight from Texas to Germany experienced “significant turbulence” and was diverted. Seven people were hospitalized.