A Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan encountered severe turbulence over southern Germany on June 4, 2025, resulting in nine injuries among passengers and crew and forcing an emergency landing.
At a Glance
- Nine people were injured, including a woman with a head injury, a toddler with bruises, and a 59-year-old woman with back pain.
- Three passengers required hospitalization; others received medical treatment on-site.
- The flight crew requested medical assistance ahead of landing.
- Ryanair arranged bus transport from Memmingen to Milan and scheduled replacement flights.
- Aviation authorities are investigating the incident to enhance safety protocols.
Sudden Turbulence Forces Emergency Landing
Ryanair Flight FR619 experienced sudden, severe turbulence approximately 45 minutes before its scheduled arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport, forcing an emergency diversion to Memmingen Airport in Germany. According to Reuters and CNN, the turbulence caused nine injuries, with emergency medical teams meeting the flight on arrival.
The flight crew issued rapid safety instructions, but the intensity of the turbulence left passengers little time to brace. Ryanair expressed concern for the affected passengers and apologized for the disruption.
Industry and Regulatory Responses
Ryanair stated the turbulence was due to rapidly changing weather conditions and reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety. Aviation regulators, including the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt), have launched investigations to evaluate whether pilot training or forecasting improvements can better mitigate turbulence risks.
Similar incidents underscore the importance of constant vigilance in aviation safety standards and passenger preparedness, as reported by The Guardian.
Turbulence Safety Tips for Passengers
Turbulence remains a common and unpredictable hazard caused by weather fronts, jet streams, and atmospheric disturbances. Passengers are advised to keep seat belts fastened while seated and to follow crew instructions promptly during turbulence.
While serious injuries are rare, this incident highlights the need for continuous advancements in turbulence prediction, pilot training, and in-flight safety measures to protect passengers and crew, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
