Overview
- The Airbus A350-900 operating CX156 from Brisbane to Hong Kong plunged twice during in-flight meal service, leaving six cabin crew and four passengers injured.
- Emergency crews met the aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport and medics boarded after the flight landed safely, with eight people taken to hospital and two treated at the airport.
- Passengers and the pilot reported the aircraft encountered a thunder or lightning cell that was not clearly visible on radar, and authorities have opened a formal investigation including flight and cockpit-data review.
- Cabin crew were especially affected because they were working in the aisles and handling service carts when the sudden turbulence struck, prompting fresh questions about seatbelt signage and meal-service rules.
- About 240 people were on board the flight registered B-LRV, and Cathay Pacific says it is cooperating with investigators and providing support to the injured and crew.