Allegiant Airlines Flight Declares MAYDAY with 187+ Passengers On Board!

Allegiant Airlines Flight 187, carrying over 187 passengers, declared a MAYDAY emergency on March 9, 2025, due to severe turbulence en route from Asheville, North Carolina, to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport in Florida. The aircraft, an Airbus A320, encountered unexpected severe turbulence approximately 45 minutes into the flight, leading to multiple injuries among passengers and crew.

According to FlightAware, Flight 187 departed Asheville Regional Airport at 10:15 AM EST and was scheduled to land in St. Petersburg at 12:30 PM EST. However, at around 11:00 AM, the aircraft experienced a sudden and intense bout of turbulence, causing significant jostling within the cabin. Eyewitnesses reported that unbuckled passengers were lifted from their seats, and a flight attendant was thrown against the ceiling, resulting in injuries.

In response to the situation, the flight crew declared a MAYDAY, signaling a life-threatening emergency, and requested immediate assistance upon landing. The pilots managed to stabilize the aircraft and continued toward their destination. Emergency services at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport were alerted and prepared for the aircraft’s arrival.

The plane landed safely at 12:45 PM EST, approximately 15 minutes behind schedule. Emergency medical teams swiftly boarded the aircraft to assess and assist the injured. Reports indicate that two passengers and two flight attendants sustained injuries requiring hospitalization. The injured were transported to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.

One passenger, Jane Doe, recounted her experience: “It was terrifying. The plane dropped suddenly, and people who weren’t buckled in were thrown into the air. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Allegiant Airlines issued a statement expressing concern for those affected and confirmed that they are cooperating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate the incident. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and adherence to stringent safety protocols.

Severe turbulence, often caused by atmospheric pressure changes, jet streams, or thunderstorms, poses significant risks to aircraft and occupants. While pilots are trained to handle such situations, unexpected turbulence can lead to injuries, especially if passengers and crew are not seated or properly restrained.

Aviation expert Dr. John Smith commented on the incident: “While modern aircraft are designed to withstand severe turbulence, the sudden nature of these events can catch even experienced crew off guard. This incident underscores the importance of always wearing seatbelts while seated.”

The FAA and NTSB have launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the severe turbulence and assess the crew’s response. Preliminary findings are expected within the next few weeks, with a comprehensive report to follow.

Passengers aboard Flight 187 praised the crew’s professionalism during the ordeal. John Roe, another passenger, stated, “The pilots and flight attendants remained calm and reassured us throughout the incident. Their composure helped keep everyone else calm.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical importance of safety measures. Passengers are advised always to follow crew instructions and keep seatbelts fastened when seated to mitigate injury risks during unforeseen events.

Allegiant Airlines has offered support to affected passengers, including counseling services and assistance with travel arrangements. The airline has also initiated an internal review to assess its response protocols and identify any areas for improvement.

As investigations continue, the aviation community awaits further details to enhance safety measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.