May 5 (Emirates247): Etihad Airways flight EY475 from Jakarta to Abu Dhabi on 4 May was cancelled after thirty-one passengers were injured aboard a Jakarta-bound flight, after the carrier hit ‘unexpected turbulence’ 45 minutes prior to landing.

Etihad has sent a support team from its home base in Abu Dhabi, and is assisting passengers scheduled to travel on this flight, by rebooking them on alternate flights or providing hotel accommodation.

Passengers can contact Etihad Airways' global contact centre on 971 (0) 2 599 0000 or can visit www.etihad.com for more information.

EARLIER

Thirty-one passengers have been injured aboard a Jakarta-bound Etihad Airways flight, after the carrier hit ‘unexpected turbulence’ 45 minutes prior to landing.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s flight EY474 was bound for Soekarno Hatta International Airport on May 4, when it was affected by turbulence, which further led to nine passengers being shifted to the local hospital in the Indonesian capital.

The airline confirmed the incident aboard its flight, adding that the aircraft has also sustained damages in the storage areas.

In an emailed statement, the airline said: “Etihad Airways flight EY474 from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta on 4 May 2016 encountered severe and unexpected turbulence about 45 minutes prior to arrival at Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

“The flight landed safely and passengers were met by medical assistance teams as they disembarked the aircraft.”

The airline further continued, saying: “A total of 31 passengers were injured. Twenty-two are being treated by paramedics for minor injuries at the airport. Nine other passengers have been taken to a local hospital.

“We are providing all possible assistance to affected passengers.”

Etihad further confirmed the aircraft damage, saying: “The turbulence also caused some damage to cabin storage areas.”