Avianca Diverts Flight to Miami After Severe Turbulence Injures Nine

Severe turbulence forced Avianca Flight AV042 to divert to Miami International Airport in Florida early Friday, October 9, 2026, while traveling from Medellín, Colombia, to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Miami-Dade fire officials confirmed that eight people were taken to hospitals for treatment after the aircraft landed safely at approximately 3:30 a.m. local time.

The incident affected passengers and cabin crew aboard the flight, which departed José María Córdova International Airport near Medellín on Thursday evening, according to reports from El Nuevo Herald, Noticias Caracol and EL TIEMPO. Authorities said emergency teams were waiting at the Miami airport to assist injured passengers. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue confirmed that multiple people sustained injuries during the turbulence.

One injured person was transported to a hospital under a trauma alert, although officials had not released detailed information about the injuries.

Avianca subsequently confirmed that the aircraft encountered unexpected turbulence during its journey from Medellín to New York. The airline said the crew diverted the flight as a precaution and followed its established safety procedures.

"Avianca reports that flight AV042, operating the Medellín (MDE)–New York (JFK) route, encountered unexpected turbulence during the journey. As a precautionary measure and in accordance with the airline's safety protocols, the flight was diverted to Miami International Airport (MIA), where the aircraft landed safely," Avianca said in its statement. The airline also reported that three cabin crew members and six passengers experienced effects associated with the turbulence. Its statement indicated that medical assistance procedures were activated for those affected and that the company remained in contact with the injured passengers and crew members to monitor their condition.

For passengers who were not injured, Avianca arranged assistance and alternative steps to continue their journey to New York. EL TIEMPO reported that the remaining passengers were preparing to reboard the aircraft at Miami International Airport. According to the flight information cited by EL TIEMPO and El Nuevo Herald, the aircraft was scheduled to depart Miami for New York at 8:25 a.m.

Friday, with an estimated arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 10:40 a.m. local time.

Passengers described seeing numerous emergency vehicles after the aircraft reached Miami. María Paula Jiménez, who was aboard the flight, told CBS News Miami in Spanish that the number of ambulances near the disembarkation area made the situation appear unusual. "When we landed, we saw five or six ambulances very close to the place where we were going to land, several of them with their sirens on as if they were waiting for something.

When we arrived, well, you know, it wasn't normal," María Paula Jiménez said. Video recorded by passengers inside the aircraft appeared to show people holding ice packs against their heads while being instructed to keep their seat belts fastened. Footage from Miami also showed some passengers arriving at a hospital with their luggage.

Authorities had not provided a comprehensive account of the injuries or released further medical details. The airport and airline confirmed that the aircraft had landed safely and that arrangements were underway to help unaffected passengers continue to New York.