United Flight Turbulence Sparks Safety, Climate Concerns

A United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying from San Francisco to Singapore encountered severe turbulence over the Philippines on March 27, 2025, injuring five people—one flight attendant seriously and four others, including a passenger, with minor injuries. The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers and 14 crew and continued safely to its destination, where the injured received medical attention upon arrival in Singapore. The incident became publicly known following an FAA report, prompting a joint investigation by the FAA, U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, and Philippines Civil Aviation Authority. Experts and airlines have connected the event to increasing turbulence attributed to climate change and atmospheric shifts, particularly in transpacific corridors. The plane was grounded for inspection after landing but has since returned to service. The investigation will review flight data, weather, and crew protocols as turbulence risks continue to rise for long-haul flights.