Twenty people - 17 passengers and three crew members - on board a South African Airways (SAA) flight were injured when the aircraft experienced severe air turbulence while flying over the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, the airline says.

SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said in Johannesburg yesterday that Flight SA286, which was bound for Hong Kong, had departed from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. A total of 165 passengers were on board.

“SA286 landed safely in Hong Kong today (Wednesday), at approximately 6.30am South African time (12.30pm Hong Kong time),” he added.

According to flight information from the South African flag carrier, Flight SA286 is a non-stop service operated with Airbus A340 aircraft.

“The crew of the flight immediately requested medical assistance for the passengers, which was arranged and ready on arrival of the aircraft in Hong Kong,” said Tlali.

The national carrier requested medical and trauma assistance which was being rendered to the passengers and crew members.

- Bernama-NNN-SA News