A Ryanair flight from Berlin, Germany to Milan, Italy was forced to make an emergency landing on Wednesday, June 4, after encountering severe turbulence during a thunderstorm, leaving nine people injured, including a two-year-old child.
Flight FR8 departed Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport bound for Milan’s Malpensa Airport when it encountered what weather experts described as a “supercell” – a highly dangerous rotating thunderstorm system. The aircraft, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, was forced to divert to Memmingen Airport in Bavaria, located approximately 70 miles west of Munich, Germany.
Police in Memmingen confirmed the aircraft landed safely at 8:44 p.m. local time after the pilot was unable to continue to Munich Airport due to deteriorating weather conditions. The German weather service had issued severe storm warnings for the region, with threats of hail and destructive wind gusts.
According to authorities, the injured passengers ranged in age from two to 59 years old and included one crew member. The two-year-old child suffered bruising while traveling with their mother, who sustained a head injury. A 59-year-old woman complained of back pain following the turbulence event. Three of the injured individuals required hospital treatment, while five others received medical attention at the airport.
Emergency services were immediately deployed to the airport upon the aircraft’s arrival. The flight’s captain had requested medical assistance ahead of landing, allowing medical personnel to be positioned and ready to respond. Police indicated that the injured individuals primarily complained of back pain or head injuries consistent with turbulence-related trauma.
Passengers described the experience as chaotic and terrifying, with several individuals out of their seats when the aircraft encountered the severe weather. One passenger told German media that they had never been frightened during a flight before, but believed the aircraft might break apart during the turbulence encounter. Reports indicated that some passengers, including a mother and infant, were in the aircraft’s restroom facilities when the turbulence struck.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed an abrupt course change toward Memmingen during the flight, indicating the pilot’s quick decision to divert from the original route. The supercell weather system that affected the aircraft can span up to 30 miles across and contains tornado-like winds, making it extremely hazardous for aviation.
Regional flight authorities prohibited the aircraft from continuing its journey by air following the incident, forcing Ryanair to arrange alternative transportation. The airline organized bus transport from Memmingen to Milan for passengers who wished to complete their journey that evening, along with a replacement flight the following morning.
Passengers reportedly remained on the aircraft for several hours following the emergency landing, leading to increased frustration and agitation among travelers. The extended delay was necessary to allow medical personnel to assess and treat the injured individuals while ensuring the aircraft was safe.
A Ryanair spokesperson provided an official statement regarding the incident, noting that the captain had called ahead for medical assistance and the aircraft landed normally. The airline emphasized that they arranged alternative transportation options to help passengers reach their final destination as quickly as possible.
The severe weather conditions affected a broader area of southern Germany on June 4. In nearby Ulm, a tornado caused significant property damage, tearing roofs off houses across multiple streets. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg regions experienced terrible weather conditions throughout the evening, with firefighters responding to dozens of weather-related emergencies.
The airline expressed regret for the disruption caused by the diversion and emphasized its commitment to passenger safety. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges airlines face when navigating severe weather systems, particularly the unpredictable nature of supercell thunderstorms that can develop rapidly and pose significant threats to aviation safety.
Both German police and Ryanair officials indicated they would provide additional statements regarding the investigation into the incident.
