A recent flight operated by Turkish Airlines has drawn attention from aviation safety experts after a Boeing 777-300ER experienced a rapid descent during a turbulence encounter over Chinese airspace. The incident, which took place on September 5, 2024, involved Flight TK24 traveling from Istanbul to Taipei and has raised important questions regarding flight crew response protocols in turbulent conditions.
The aircraft, registered as TC-JJE, was cruising at an altitude of 31,000 feet approximately two hours before its scheduled arrival in Taipei when it entered an area of severe atmospheric instability. According to preliminary reports, the flight crew executed an aggressive maneuver in response to the turbulence, which led to a descent rate that exceeded 1,000 feet per minute. Although this action appeared to stabilize the aircraft and mitigate further risk, it also resulted in minor injuries to six individuals on board, including four passengers and two flight attendants.
Upon arrival at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, the aircraft was met by emergency medical personnel. Fortunately, none of the injuries were considered critical, and most affected passengers declined further hospitalization. The Boeing 777 was subsequently inspected and cleared for its return journey to Istanbul after a brief operational delay.
This event is the latest in a series of turbulence-related incidents involving Turkish Airlines. Notably, in March 2019, a flight from Istanbul to New York encountered extreme turbulence over the Atlantic, resulting in injuries to 30 passengers and crew members. More recently, in May 2024, another Turkish Airlines 777 en route to Taipei experienced similar conditions, injuring seven individuals. These repeated events are raising concerns about regional turbulence patterns and prompting deeper evaluation of flight crew response techniques.
Aviation professionals stress the importance of maintaining standard operating procedures during unexpected inflight turbulence. While a rapid descent may sometimes be necessary to manage aircraft stability or avoid worsening conditions, overly aggressive maneuvers can introduce secondary risks. Industry analysts and pilot training experts agree that while Flight TK24’s crew ultimately maintained safe control of the aircraft, the response underscores the critical need for ongoing training and refinement of turbulence handling protocols.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of turbulence and the essential role that well-prepared flight crews play in maintaining passenger safety. Airlines, including Turkish Airlines, are expected to continue investing in scenario-based training, simulator upgrades, and real-time weather monitoring technologies to help mitigate such risks.
As climate change and shifting weather patterns contribute to an increase in clear-air turbulence globally, the aviation sector faces growing pressure to enhance both pilot readiness and passenger communication strategies. While the safe landing of Flight TK24 reflects the crew’s capability under pressure, it also reinforces the importance of balancing decisive action with measured control during high-stress flight conditions.
This ongoing focus on turbulence management is crucial for ensuring the future safety and reliability of long-haul international flights, especially on busy routes such as Istanbul to Taipei. Further updates on this incident may be released as aviation authorities and Turkish Airlines complete a detailed review of the flight data and crew response.
