Video: Passengers scream in terror as extreme turbulence hits US-bound flight

A Scandinavian Airlines flight from Sweden’s Stockholm to Miami in the United States was forced to turn back on Thursday after encountering severe turbulence over Greenland.

A dramatic video from Scandinavian Airlines Flight 957, shared widely online, captured the chaos as passengers screamed in terror and cabin crew struggled to maintain control. One passenger reportedly hit their head on the ceiling.

The turbulence was so intense that loose items, including plastic cups and bags, were flung across the cabin, images taken by those on board and shared on social media show.

According to Aviation Source News, the aircraft descended approximately 8,000 feet during the incident, a move likely taken by the flight crew to avoid the turbulent air.

While there were no reports of serious injuries, the pilots made the decision to turn the plane around and fly it to Copenhagen in Denmark, where it underwent inspection for potential damage.

Explaining the move, Scandinavian Airlines said it lacked the necessary equipment in Miami to assess the aircraft for potential damage. Copenhagen Airport, with its superior facilities and qualified technicians, was the optimal location for the inspection, it stated.

“We have the best facilities and staff for this level of inspection at Copenhagen Airport, and we therefore decided to reroute the aircraft here, where both hangar space and qualified technicians were available,” the airline said in a statement given to CBS News.

Passengers, who were offered hotel accommodations in Copenhagen, were expected to resume their journey to Miami on Friday.