Thirty passengers and 15 crew members were injured when a Thai Airways International (THAI) A-380-800 flight hit turbulence while landing at Hong Kong International Airport on Friday, Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said.
Most of them were not seriously injured, Mr Chadchart said, quoting THAI president Sorajak Kasemsuvan.
Paramedics and emergency staff assist injured passengerswho were taken off a Thai Airways International Airbus A380-800 which hit turbulence shortly before landing in Hong Kong yesterday. Thirty passengers and 15crewmembers were injured.
The minister said he had ordered Mr Sorajak to look after the injured closely.
The most serious injury was to a crew member who suffered a broken collarbone, Mr Chadchart said.
"I have ordered THAI executives to take care of the injured," Mr Chadchart said. "All expenses have been covered by insurance."
Mr Chadchart said the aircraft ceiling was damaged by the impact from a passenger who hurtled upwards during the turbulence.
The aircraft had been flown back to Bangkok for inspection, he said.
Flight TG600 left Thailand at 8.16am and was due to arrive at Hong Kong International Airport about noon.
The aircraft, which carried 500 passengers, two pilots and 24 cabin crew members, ran into turbulence shortly before descent. It managed to land at the airport safely at 12.08pm (11.08 Thailand time), according to THAI senior executive vice-president Chokchai Panyayong.
After the incident, THAI ground officers and local officials sent the injured to hospital for treatment and assisted others to go through the airport entry channels, he said.
THAI wanted to apologise to the passengers and will take care of all medical expenses, Mr Chokchai said.
Meanwhile, a flight operated by Hong Kong Airlines, HX762, from Phuket International Airport was also reported to have hit air turbulence while landing at the airport about 9.30am on Friday.
Six people, were reported injured - three passengers and three cabin crew. The plane landed safely.
The ceiling of the A-380-800 was damaged from the impact of a passenger being hurled upwards during turbulence.