04/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/10/2026 00:07
Severe turbulences during cruise, diversion
Spain - CIAIAC
Preliminary data based on the notification from the Spanish authorities:
On 29 March 2026, Malta Air flight FR4017 from Porto (LPPR) to Milan Malpensa (LIMC), operated by a Boeing 737-8AS (registration 9H-QEP), encountered severe turbulence during cruise. As a result, two cabin crew members and six passengers sustained injuries. The aircraft diverted to Toulouse airport (LFBO) where the affected passengers received medical attention and the two cabin crew members were transferred to hospital.
| Local date | 29/03/2026 |
| Responsible entity | Spain - CIAIAC |
| State or area of occurrence | Spain |
| Location | En route |
| Human consequences | Serious |
| Number of serious injuries | 2 |
| Aircraft consequences | None |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| File number | BEA2026-0106 |
| Aircraft category | Aeroplane - Large aeroplane |
| Operator | Malta - Air Malta Co. Ltd. |
| Manufacturer / Model | BOEING - 737 |
| Aircraft Registration | 9H-QEP |
| State of registry | Malta |
| Last departure point | Portugal - LPPR (OPO) : Porto |
| Planned destination | Italy - LIMC (MXP) : Milano/Malpensa |
| Flight phase | En route |
| Serial number | 44834 |
| Operator Type AG | |
| Operation Type | Commercial Air Transport - Passenger - Airline |
BEA is the French air safety investigation authority for civil aviation. The sole objective of the investigation is to improve air safety. It is intended neither to apportion blame nor to assess responsiblity.