*Update*: Eurowings Airbus A380 wake turbulence — six injuries confirmed

The incident occurred on the return flight from Rhodes. Shortly after take-off, the Eurowings Airbus encountered severe turbulence, as reported by Stern. The cause was quickly identified: the aircraft had entered the wake turbulence of a preceding Airbus A380 – a significantly larger aircraft that generates powerful air vortices in its wake.

Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger confirms six minor injuries among the 157 passengers and crew members. A flight attendant was particularly severely affected and thrown against the cabin ceiling. Following landing in Cologne, the injured received medical care.

Invisible danger in the air

Wake turbulence occurs when large aircraft fly through the air and generate intense air vortices behind them. These invisible turbulences can pose considerable problems for smaller aircraft following behind – particularly at low altitudes during take-off or landing. Aachener Zeitung explains that air traffic controllers normally maintain separation between aircraft to prevent such incidents. Apparently, a critical situation arose in this case.

Rheinische Post reports that all injured parties were classified as minor injuries. The flight was able to land as scheduled in Cologne following the incident. Eurowings and the relevant authorities will now investigate the incident to clarify how this dangerous situation came about.