Wake Turbulence from Ethiopian A350 Injures Crew on Air Transat A321
An Air Transat Airbus A321neo, registration C-GOIR, operating flight TS-207 from Manchester, UK, to Toronto, Canada, encountered wake turbulence north of Gander, Newfoundland, on July 27, 2025, resulting in injuries to two cabin crew members.
The aircraft, carrying 196 passengers and crew, was cruising at 34,000 feet about 170 nautical miles north of Gander when it passed beneath an Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350-1000, registration ET-BAX. The Ethiopian aircraft, operating flight ET-501 from Washington Dulles to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was flying 1,000 feet higher at 35,000 feet over the same area.
According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), the Air Transat A321 experienced significant wake turbulence generated by the larger aircraft. The turbulence caused injuries to two flight attendants, with one sustaining injuries serious enough to be incapacitated for the remainder of the flight. First aid was administered on board, and the injured crew members were attended to by colleagues and any available medical professionals among passengers.
Despite the incident, the A321 continued its planned route to Toronto, where it landed without further complications. The Ethiopian A350 proceeded uneventfully to its destination in Addis Ababa.
Wake turbulence incidents, though rare, can occur when a smaller aircraft flies in proximity to the disturbed air left behind by a larger one, especially at close vertical separation. The TSB has classified the event as a serious incident and is conducting an investigation to determine contributing factors and whether additional safety measures or procedural changes are warranted.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=Air+Transat, https://airguide.info/?s=Ethiopian+airlines, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, avherald.com