Passengers cry out as Wizz Air Airbus aborts Rome landing; storm forces diversion to Bologna

A Wizz Air flight from Alicante, Spain, to Rome was diverted to Bologna early Thursday morning(August 21) after encountering severe turbulence over Italy. The Airbus A321, operating as flight W4 6038, was unable to land safely at Rome's Fiumicino Airport due to adverse weather conditions. The aircraft landed safely in Bologna at 03:57 local time, nearly three hours later than scheduled.

During the turbulent descent, passengers reported moments of panic. Videos shared on social media depict a darkened cabin filled with fearful cries and prayers. One passenger described the experience as feeling like the plane might "break apart or roll over."

Wizz Air confirmed the diversion, stating that safety remains its top priority. The airline arranged ground transportation for passengers from Bologna to Rome and offered refunds to those who made personal arrangements.


According to the Sun website, Wizz Air said: "Wizz Air flight W4 6038 from Alicante to Rome Fiumicino on August 20 was diverted to Bologna Airport after it was unable to land safely due to adverse weather conditions at Rome Fiumicino Airport. "The aircraft landed safely and without incident in Bologna at 3:57 am local time. Passengers were provided with ground transportation from Bologna to Rome."

Wizz Air continued: "Weather conditions are beyond the airline's control, and safety remains Wizz Air's top priority. It added that aborting a landing is "a standard procedure in the event that conditions are not ideal for a safe landing".

This incident follows a similar event on a Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan, where nine passengers were injured due to violent turbulence. In that case, passengers were thrown against the cabin walls, resulting in head and back injuries.