Reports out of Japan say that a number of people were injured when turbulence struck American Airlines’ daily flight from Seoul, South Korea, to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
AA spokeswoman Andrea Huguely confirmed the diversion, but did not comment on injuries. She sent us this statement:
“American Airlines Flight 280, a Boeing 777-200 from Seoul (ICN) to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) has diverted to Tokyo (NRT) because of turbulence during the flight. There are 240 passengers and a crew of 15.
“American’s primary concern at this time is for our passengers and crew on board the airplane and our team in Narita is providing assistance. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”
Various U.S. news organizations cited NHK in Japan as saying 10 passengers and four crew members were injured. The Weather Channel said that the area was being rocked by a severe storm.
American Airlines has issued this update on the carrier’s flight from Seoul, South Korea, to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, hit by turbulence as it was flying east of Japan:
“Medical personnel have been able to evaluate all passengers and crew members asking for medical attention. Four passengers and one crew member have been transported to local hospitals for further observation and treatment. None of the injuries are life-threatening.
“American Airlines Flight 280 will not continue on to DFW today. Passengers have been transported to hotels and will continue their travel to DFW tomorrow. Our team in Tokyo will continue to provide all necessary support to take care of our passengers and crew.”
The photos come from Dallas attorney Marc Stanley, who was on the flight.
“We were diverted to NRT [Tokyo's Narita International Airport] after 45+ minutes of insane turbulence.,” he messaged Todd Gillman in our Washington, D.C., office.