Eleven injured in 'freak turbulence' during Maleth Aero flight

All passengers are due to depart for Manchester again on Tuesday

Eleven passengers were injured after a Manchester-bound flight from Barbados experienced "freak turbulence", the P&O travel firm has said.

About 225 people were onboard the Maleth Aero flight on Sunday following a P&O Caribbean cruise.

The turbulence happened about two hours after departure, with pilots diverting the plane to Bermuda.

On landing, 11 passengers received treatment for minor injuries.

Passengers had been due to return home on the Maltese passenger charter airline flight for Christmas Day but are instead expected to depart for Manchester later.

Due to airport operation times and a lack of flight availabilities, they were accommodated in hotels in Bermuda over the festive period, a P&O spokeswoman said.

In a statement, she added: "Following freak (unexpected) turbulence, a flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda on Sunday morning.

"We are very sorry for this disruption to the journey following their holiday and we worked round the clock with the airline and hotels to take care of the guests, and to ensure they get home as soon as possible."

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