A routine journey from Bali to Auckland turned into a nightmare for German couple Niko and Sasha.
Just 30 minutes into Air New Zealand Flight NZ65, turbulence struck the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, causing Niko, 47, to suffer a severe leg injury while returning from the restroom.
Niko’s friend, awaiting him at Auckland Airport, described the incident to legacy media as resulting in a fractured tibia and fibula, leaving Niko in excruciating pain for the remainder of the seven-hour flight. Despite the presence of a doctor onboard only basic pain relief was available until landing. Upon arrival paramedics swiftly attended to the injured man, transporting him to Middlemore Hospital for treatment.
An Air New Zealand spokesperson confirmed the occurrence of ‘clear air turbulence,’ a phenomenon characterised by sudden, intense turbulence in cloudless skies. Chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan confirmed the injured passenger received immediate attention from both onboard medical personnel and Air New Zealand’s international medical support. Niko currently remains in stable condition at Middlemore Hospital, awaiting surgery.
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