Skip to main content

In pictures: Onboard meals go flying as plane hits turbulence

By CNN Staff
June 5, 2013 -- Updated 1730 GMT (0130 HKT)
A Singapore to London flight suddenly dropped 20 meters after breakfast was served, leading to chaotic scenes onboard.
A Singapore to London flight suddenly dropped 20 meters after breakfast was served, leading to chaotic scenes onboard.
HIDE CAPTION
Meal mayhem at 30,000 feet
Meal mayhem at 30,000 feet
Meal mayhem at 30,000 feet
Meal mayhem at 30,000 feet
Meal mayhem at 30,000 feet
Meal mayhem at 30,000 feet
Meal mayhem at 30,000 feet
Meal mayhem at 30,000 feet
<<
<
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
>
>>
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Singapore to London flight dropped 20 meters leading to chaotic scenes during breakfast service
  • Minor injuries were reported on board the aircraft to passengers and crew
  • Passengers given compensatory chocolates on landing at Heathrow

(CNN) -- Images taken on a recent Singapore Airlines flight might suggest passengers had become unusually ferocious in their disdain for the onboard meal.

But this was no "Bugsy Malone"-esque food-flinging fiesta.

The plane hit turbulence shortly after breakfast was served, and the result was culinary carnage.

"Singapore Airlines flight SQ308 experienced moderate to severe turbulence en route from Singapore to London on 26 May," said airline spokesman Nicholas Ionides.

Brace yourself: Flights set to be bumpier, costlier

"Eleven passengers and one crew member sustained minor injuries when the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and were attended to by medical personnel on arrival at Heathrow Airport."

Passengers reported coffee cups, cutlery and even a few people were thrown about the cabin as the plane lost altitude.

Alan Cross, one of the passengers who took the images you see here, told CNN: "Everything violently rocketed off all the tray tables into the ceiling. You literally felt your stomach going into your throat."

The mess was cleaned up soon after and passengers were given chocolate gifts on landing in London.

In 2012: Turbulence injures passengers, crew as flight approaches Miami

ADVERTISEMENT
Part of complete coverage on
October 1, 2013 -- Updated 0140 GMT (0940 HKT)
Stop kidding yourself -- 14 gigazillion customers can't be wrong. And like it or not, you're one of them.
September 26, 2013 -- Updated 0158 GMT (0958 HKT)
Love it or hate it (and feel free to do both) the U.S. is the world' s undisputed leader, at least at these things.
October 2, 2013 -- Updated 1337 GMT (2137 HKT)
The Canadian pop star broke one of the most sacred rules of travel -- don't use your bodyguards to carry you up the Great Wall.
September 27, 2013 -- Updated 0154 GMT (0954 HKT)
Where to slurp a shaken martini or cheat at poker just like a vacationing secret agent.
October 2, 2013 -- Updated 1416 GMT (2216 HKT)
Mermaids, anchors among favorite designs at international tattoo convention.
October 1, 2013 -- Updated 0743 GMT (1543 HKT)
Kuala Lumpur Base Jumping
Base jumpers from 20 countries took part in the KL Tower International Jump 2013.
With designated "selfie space" and in-room media hubs, Sydney's 1888 lets guests with 10,000 Instagram followers stay for free
October 1, 2013 -- Updated 1351 GMT (2151 HKT)
It's too easy to let New Mexico off as simply "The Land of Enchantment."
September 3, 2013 -- Updated 0243 GMT (1043 HKT)
Skywalks, viewing platforms, observation decks -- various experiences with one result -- the promise to do it again soon.
September 16, 2013 -- Updated 0228 GMT (1028 HKT)
Seoul skycraper Infinity Tower
Using a sophisticated LED façade system, Seoul's Tower Infinity will appear invisible to the eye.
September 2, 2013 -- Updated 0533 GMT (1333 HKT)
These 31 amazing spectacles may not change your life, but they could change your vacation plans.
September 5, 2013 -- Updated 0724 GMT (1524 HKT)
Furniture, hotels and private homes. What visionaries are making with dead airplanes.
June 6, 2013 -- Updated 0822 GMT (1622 HKT)
Is it possible to rank the world's best beaches?
August 3, 2013 -- Updated 0016 GMT (0816 HKT)
How many of these classic travel blunders have you made?
ADVERTISEMENT