Cathay Pacific passengers left vomiting, screaming in fear on storm-wracked flight to Hong Kong

The Xiaohongshu user said the aircraft unsuccessfully attempted to land twice, causing some of the passengers on the turbulent ride to erupt into screaming, crying and vomiting.

“There were two failed landing attempts. The first time it glided to 2,000 metres [6,561 feet], I felt like I was about to die. All the passengers on board the flight started to scream while children were crying wildly,” she said.

“Amid the bumpy and shaky ride was the resonating sound of vomiting. The whole aircraft was filled with the smell of vomiting.”

She said the aircraft was running out of fuel and was eventually diverted to Shenzhen airport to refuel, before safely landing in Hong Kong at 10.57pm that day.

“I don’t want to experience this again for the rest of my life … Pray everything is safe,” she said.

Is it time for Hong Kong authorities to take a stake in Cathay Pacific?

A Hong Kong Airport Authority spokesman said heavy rain and strong winds had resulted in 61 incoming and 33 outgoing flights being delayed on Tuesday evening, while 12 flights were diverted to nearby airports.

The city’s Observatory reported hail in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province on the same day, with residents urged to seek shelter amid “violent” winds.

A hail warning was at 10pm on Tuesday in response to reports of hail in the Pearl River Delta region.

The forecaster also said “violent” gusts of up to 100km/h (62mph) were reported at Cheung Chau at around 9.45pm.

An amber rainstorm alert was issued at 9.30pm and cancelled at 11pm.