Turbulence-hit Bahrain-bound flight lands safely in Mumbai

Manama : Several passengers and cabin crew members aboard a Bahrain-bound flight were injured due to severe turbulence.

The aircraft, which carried 247 passengers and was on its way from the Philippines to Bahrain yesterday, was diverted and landed in Mumbai, India.

Gulf Air, the Kingdom’s national carrier, confirmed in a statement issued yesterday that “flight GF155, carrying 247 passengers, from Manila to Bahrain experienced severe turbulence while mid-flight on Friday, resulting in some passengers and crew sustaining minor injuries.”

“The flight was diverted to Mumbai, landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, at 11.30am GMT (2.30pm local Bahrain time) where one passenger received medical attention,” the carrier clarified.

Gulf Air also confirmed that “the flight departed Mumbai at 3.42pm GMT (6.42pm local Bahrain time) resuming service to Bahrain International Airport and arrived at around 10 pm local Bahrain time”.

“Gulf Air apologises for the uncontrollable incident and resulting impact on passengers. The airline’s crew is trained to manage such events and all passengers on board were assisted by Gulf Air staff at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport while the aircraft underwent maintenance inspection,” added the national carrier’s statement.