A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 operating flight CX156 from Brisbane to Hong Kong encountered severe turbulence early Saturday, May 23, 2026, leaving the cabin in chaos and injuring 10 people onboard. The aircraft, registered B-LRV, landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport around 06:45 local time.
The turbulence reportedly struck during meal service while the aircraft was cruising at high altitude, nearly two hours before arrival. Violent jolts sent food trays, beverages, meal containers, and loose cabin equipment flying across the cabin, creating panic among passengers and crew members.
According to reports, six cabin crew members and four passengers suffered minor injuries during the incident. Eight of the injured were later taken to hospital in Hong Kong for precautionary medical checks after landing safely.
The incident is believed to have been caused by clear-air turbulence, a dangerous weather phenomenon that often appears without radar warning. Passengers described the sudden movement as similar to a “free-fall” sensation, with screams heard throughout the cabin as unsecured items were thrown into the air.
