- Eleven people were injured during the flight from Barbados to Manchester
- The 225 passengers and 13 crew members had to spend Christmas in Barbados
- Were you on this flight? Email perkin.amalaraj@mailonline.co.uk
Nearly a dozen passengers have been hospitalized after 'freak' air turbulence forced a plane bound from Barbados to Manchester to divert less than three hours after take-off.
The 225 passengers and 13 crew aboard the chartered plane, which was carrying passengers on a P&O cruise, were expecting to return home for Christmas after departing Barbados just before midnight on December 23.
But two and a half hours after Maleth Aero Flight 1975 took off from Barbados, the Airbus A300-200 experienced severe 'clear air turbulence' while flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
The plane was diverted to Bermuda and the passengers were forced to spend Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day away from their families.
The 11 passengers were taken to hospital. Their well-being is currently unknown.
Two and a half hours after Maleth Aero Flight 1975 took off from Barbados, the Airbus A300-200 experienced severe 'clear air turbulence' while flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
None of the 13 crew members were injured during the flight.
A replacement aircraft will depart at 4pm on Boxing Day and arrive in Britain in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27.
Bermuda's Acting Minister of National Security, Owen Darrell, said: 'We are aware of the situation and are working hard to ensure the well-being of all involved. We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our first responders who ensured the safety of the passengers and crew.”
A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: 'A flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda early yesterday morning following bizarre (unexpected) turbulence.
'After exploring all flight options and due to the airport's opening hours, guests are now staying in hotels [25 December].
'The flight home departs tomorrow morning, December 26, after the required statutory aircraft checks.
'We are very sorry for this disruption to their post-holiday travel and we are working with the airline and hotels to look after them and ensure they get home as soon as possible tomorrow.'