Phuket, Thailand: An Etihad Airways aircraft bound for Phuket from Abu Dhabi encountered significant atmospheric turbulence in the final phase of its approach on Wednesday, prompting precautionary ground response measures. The Airbus A321 operating as Flight EY416 landed safely at Phuket International Airport at approximately 11:50 a.m. local time, and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury, airport authorities and airline officials confirmed.
At around 11:00 a.m., the flight crew reported turbulence during descent toward the seaside resort island. The airline informed the airport’s medical division that the aircraft had encountered unstable air. In response, Phuket Airport activated its emergency response plan, placing firefighting, rescue and medical teams on standby and designating a dedicated parking bay in anticipation of possible assistance needs.
Airport officials emphasized that all emergency preparations were precautionary. After the aircraft touched down and came to a halt at the assigned stand, medical personnel and ground crews assessed passengers and confirmed that none of the 160 passengers or crew members sustained injuries requiring treatment. Normal airport operations continued without disruption.
Local authorities, including the Immigration Bureau, corroborated that every individual on board exited the aircraft safely and was transported to the terminal by airport buses. The airport also expressed appreciation for the readiness of nearby medical institutions, such as Vachira Phuket Hospital and Thalang Hospital, which had been alerted in advance as part of standard procedure.
Initial reports on some regional media had suggested possible injuries sustained during the turbulence; however, these claims were later clarified by official statements from Phuket International Airport and Etihad Airways, which confirmed that no injuries were reported.
An Etihad Airways spokesperson further reiterated that the flight’s safe landing and orderly disembarkation underscore the airline’s emphasis on passenger safety. The aircraft will undergo routine inspection following the turbulence encounter, standard practice after any unexpected in‑flight disturbance.
