Why a SkyWest flight was diverted to the Austin Airport
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, a SkyWest Airlines flight flew out of Colorado, but it was diverted to Austin instead of its planned destination.
SkyWest said the flight was diverted to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport “after experiencing turbulence.”
“After landing safely at AUS, Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) evaluated 39 passengers and 4 crew members for potential injuries. Two adult patients were transported to area hospitals out of an abundance of caution. ATCEMS reported to the airport that no injuries are expected to be life-threatening,” a spokesperson for the airport told KXAN in a statement.
According to the airline, SkyWest flight 5971 was operating as United Express at the time, and it was heading from Aspen to Houston.
“The flight landed safely and was met by medical personnel upon arrival,” SkyWest Airlines said. “Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all onboard, and we are working with our partner United to assist customers.”
What is turbulence
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), turbulence is air movement that often occurs unexpectedly.
“It can be created by many different conditions, including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts or thunderstorms,” the FAA said. “Turbulence can even occur when the sky appears to be clear.”
In order to prevent injuries, the FAA said passengers should keep their seat belts buckled, listen to flight crews and pay attention during the pre-flight safety briefing.
