Ryanair 737 Forced to Return to Birmingham After Severe Turbulence Injures Passengers

December 30, 2025 at 10:42 AM•3 min read

Ryanair flight FR1121 from Birmingham to Tenerife returned to the UK after severe turbulence over France injured a small number of passengers, prompting an emergency descent and

Key Points

1Ryanair flight FR1121 (Boeing 737) from Birmingham to Tenerife encountered severe turbulence on December 28 at 37,000 feet over France.
2The flight crew declared a Squawk 7700 emergency and executed a rapid descent to 10,000 feet, a standard procedure for a potential or actual pressurization issue.
3A small number of passengers were injured, requiring the flight to return to Birmingham for medical assistance and a replacement aircraft.
4The incident underscores the growing risk of Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT), which is difficult to detect and linked to changes in high-altitude weather patterns.

A Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft was forced to make an emergency return to Birmingham Airport on Sunday, December 28. The flight, FR1121, was en route to Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia) when it encountered severe turbulence. This unexpected event occurred approximately 40 minutes after takeoff, while the aircraft was cruising at 37,000 feet over the French town of Morlaix, near Brest.

Emergency Response and Crew Action

The Boeing 737 was struck by what was described as heavy, severe turbulence. This kind of high-altitude disturbance is often Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT). CAT is difficult to predict as it lacks visible cues like clouds or thunderstorms. It is caused by strong wind shear, typically near the jet stream.

Upon encountering the severe conditions, the flight crew took immediate action. They issued a general emergency signal, known as a Squawk 7700. The captain then rapidly reduced the aircraft's altitude to 10,000 feet. This maneuver is a critical aviation safety procedure.

The Significance of 10,000 Feet

Rapid descent to 10,000 feet is the standard protocol for a loss of cabin pressurization. This altitude is the point where supplemental oxygen is no longer required for healthy passengers. While the airline did not comment on a pressurization failure, the extreme turbulence may have caused structural stress. The crew’s decision was a precautionary measure to ensure passenger and crew safety.

Passenger Injuries and Resumption of Travel

Reports indicated that some passengers sustained injuries during the violent shaking. The crew decided to return to the United Kingdom due to the reported passenger injuries turbulence.

The aircraft landed safely back at Birmingham approximately 90 minutes after its initial departure.
A small number of travelers received medical assistance upon landing, according to a Ryanair spokesman.

To minimize disruption, Ryanair quickly arranged for a replacement aircraft. The new plane arrived from Leeds Bradford Airport. The passengers were able to resume their journey later that same evening. The replacement flight took off at 9:20 pm and landed safely in Tenerife early Monday morning.

Industry Context and Future Risk

Severe turbulence, particularly CAT, is a growing concern for the commercial aviation industry. Studies suggest that clear-air turbulence risk is increasing in frequency and intensity. This is linked to climate change strengthening the jet streams.

Experts from organizations like EASA and the FAA consistently stress the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened. Unsecured passengers face the greatest risk of injury during sudden, unexpected turbulence events. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance. It also shows the professionalism of flight crews in managing in-flight emergencies.