Breaking · Safety & Advisories

Eight People Went to Hospital After Turbulence Diverted an Avianca Flight to Miami, Here’s What You’re Owed If It Happens to You

An Avianca flight from Medellín to JFK diverted to Miami with eight passengers hospitalised. Here is what the rules say about injury claims and seat…

By Kevin Crow · Oct 9, 2026

Key facts Avianca Flight 042 from Medellín to New York JFK diverted to Miami at about 3:30 a.m. on 9 October 2026 ; eight passengers were taken to hospital. Officials have not said how serious the injuries are or what caused the turbulence. The FAA counted 23…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

What happened on the Avianca flight to Miami?

An Avianca flight from Medellín, Colombia, to New York’s JFK diverted to Miami International after severe turbulence, and eight passengers were transported to hospitals, according to local reports on Friday 9 October. Local 10 gave the flight as Avianca 042…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

How common are serious turbulence injuries?

Serious turbulence injuries are rare but steady, and they fall mostly on crew. FAA figures show 18 serious injuries on US airlines in 2022, 20 in 2023 and 23 in 2024, with 20 of the 2024 total involving crew members. The NTSB has said that wearing a seat belt…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Who pays if you are hurt by turbulence?

On an international flight such as Medellín to New York, the Montreal Convention makes the airline liable for bodily injury caused by an accident on board, and courts treat severe, unexpected turbulence as one. Up to a threshold set in special drawing rights…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

What should you do to stay safe on your next flight?

Treat the seat belt sign as the minimum, not the rule. Turbulence can arrive in clear air with no warning, which is why the NTSB found most injured passengers were out of their seats or unbuckled. Stow heavy items under the seat, keep children belted, and sit…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News