A Cathay Pacific passenger aircraft traveling from Brisbane, Australia to Hong Kong encountered severe turbulence and a sudden loss of altitude, leaving 10 people injured, according to local media reports and company statements.

Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that the incident occurred aboard Cathay Pacific Flight 156 approximately two hours before landing in Hong Kong while cabin crew members were serving passengers.

Cathay Pacific said six cabin crew members and four passengers were injured after the aircraft experienced violent shaking linked to the sudden altitude drop.

Following the aircraft’s arrival in Hong Kong, injured passengers and crew underwent medical examinations, while eight of the injured were later transferred to hospital for treatment.

Passengers described scenes of panic inside the cabin during the turbulence, saying the sudden shaking lasted several seconds and caused loose objects to be thrown through the aircraft.

The incident has renewed concerns over increasing turbulence-related aviation risks, particularly on long-haul international routes affected by unstable weather conditions and changing atmospheric patterns. (ILKHA)