Avianca Flight Diverts To Miami

An AviancaAviancaColombian airline Airbus A320 flying from Medellín to New York’s JFK hit severe turbulence early Friday and diverted to Miami. The plane landed safely, but at least eight people were hospitalized, including one taken to a trauma center. Turbulence injuries are uncommon, though the International Air Transport AssociationInternational Air Transport Associationinternational trade association for airlines said reports it received rose more than 25% last year. Scientists say climate change may be shifting the jet stream, which can increase turbulence. The Miami Herald said Caribbean thunderstorms may have contributed, while noting radar can miss storm updrafts before rain forms. Avianca said it arranged onward travel for uninjured passengers and was helping affected passengers and crew. The FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationU.S. government agency regulating civil aviation is investigating, and the cause has not been established.