Multiple Hurt as Rough Air Impacts A Delta Airlines Flight into Sydney

A number of individuals were hurt when a Delta flight originating in Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia encountered turbulence on Friday morning.

The flight, numbered 41 "went through a short bout of rough air" as it touched down at Sydney Airport, a representative for the carrier stated. A number of the onboard staff were injured.

Local paramedics said they evaluated a total of five people, and took three to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries that included pain in the back and headaches. Those affected were between their thirties and seventies.

It is the latest incident of aircraft experiencing atmospheric disturbance, with aviation specialists pointing out that shifting climate patterns is a key driver.

The aircraft was carrying nearly 250 travelers and a crew of 15 on the Airbus A350, the official said, adding that the plane touched down "without further incident" at Sydney Airport at 6:48 a.m. local time on Friday morning.

Paramedics said they got a call just a mere three minutes prior to the plane landed, and ambulances were ready and waiting at the airport.

Why plane turbulence is getting increasingly prevalent - and potentially more dangerous.

Last year, 25 people were hurt when a separate Delta aircraft, travelling from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, encountered "severe" rough air just a couple of hours into the lengthy trip, and was forced to make an emergency landing.

Recently, travelers and staff on a Singapore Airlines flight went through a frightening brief five-second of severe turbulence. A traveler died and dozens were injured, as unbelted passengers were thrown from their seats and were slammed back.

Bumpy air is not uncommon while flying, and while cases of significant turbulence are reportedly becoming more frequent, they are still very rare.

Research indicates that there are approximately five thousand cases of severe or worse turbulence annually, out of a total of in excess of 35 million flights that are conducted around the world.

Intense turbulence is described as when the up and down movements of a aircraft going through unstable air generate more than 1.5 times the force of gravity on your body - enough to propel you from your seat if you were not fastened by a seatbelt.

As global warming shifts atmospheric conditions, experts warn that commercial aviation could become less smooth: warming trends and shifting wind patterns in the higher altitudes are projected to boost the frequency and intensity of significant turbulence.