Ryanair Flight Returns to Birmingham After Turbulence Injuries

A Ryanair flight en route from Birmingham to Tenerife made an emergency return to its departure airport on Sunday after severe turbulence injured several passengers mid-flight over France.

The Boeing 737 MAX, operating as flight FR1121, took off from Birmingham Airport at around 2:50 p.m. local time. Shortly after climbing to 35,000 feet and entering French airspace near Brittany, the crew declared a general emergency by issuing squawk code 7700. Passengers reported that the aircraft encountered sudden turbulence while cabin service was in progress, causing some to be thrown from their seats and sustain injuries. The plane then reversed course, descended to 10,000 feet, and landed safely back at Birmingham approximately one hour and 32 minutes after takeoff.

Upon landing, the aircraft was directed to a remote stand at the airport, where emergency services and paramedics were waiting to provide assistance. A small number of passengers received medical attention on site, though the extent of their injuries remains unclear. Witnesses described the turbulence as intense, with the plane twisting about 45 degrees and dropping suddenly. One passenger recounted the pilot announcing that...