Avianca Medellín to New York Turbulence: 8 Hospitalized

An Avianca Airbus A320 flying from Medellín to New York hit severe turbulence overnight and diverted to Miami, where eight people were taken to hospitals, NBC 6 reports. It happened on the night of Thursday, October 8, 2026, and the plane landed in Miami at about 3:30 a.m. on Friday, October 9, per the same report. This is a roundup of what has been reported so far, based on local US outlets and Avianca’s statements. Details are still emerging.

Quick facts

• Flight: Avianca AV42 (also written AV042), Airbus A320
• Route: José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro to New York JFK
• Departed: about 10:40 p.m., October 8, 2026
• Diverted to: Miami International Airport (MIA), landing about 3:30 a.m., October 9
• Affected: six passengers and three crew, per Avianca; eight taken to hospitals by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
• Cause: not stated by officials in the reports reviewed

What happened on the Avianca Medellín to New York flight

The flight, reported as Avianca Flight 42 (AV042), left Rionegro airport at about 10:40 p.m. on October 8, according to Colombia One. It was due at JFK at 8:25 a.m. on Friday.

About two to three hours into the flight, the aircraft hit severe turbulence. FlightRadar24 data cited by NBC 6 shows the plane at about 36,000 feet before it descended roughly 25,000 feet within minutes. Colombia One reports a similar drop of about 25,000 feet from around 35,000 feet. The reports do not separate the turbulence itself from the descent toward Miami, so the altitude loss likely reflects the diversion, but that is our reading, not something a source states.

Avianca said the aircraft was diverted to Miami International Airport “as a precautionary measure and in accordance with the airline’s safety protocols,” and that it landed safely, per NBC 6.

Who was hurt

• Avianca’s count: six passengers and three crew members were affected, according to WSVN 7News.
• Hospitalized: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue took eight people to hospitals. WSVN reports seven went to Jackson Memorial and one to Ryder Trauma Center.
• Severity: not disclosed. ABC7 said patients’ conditions were not immediately known Friday morning. NBC 6 cameras showed a flight attendant on a stretcher and a woman in a neck brace.

Passengers described a frightening scene. One, identified only as Pilar, told NBC 6: “We thought it was the end for us.” Cabin video showed people holding ice packs to their heads while being told to keep seat belts fastened.

What is still unclear

Reports disagree on some details, so treat these as unconfirmed:

• Location. NBC 6 puts the plane over Cuba, WSVN says air traffic records place it over Kingston, Jamaica, and Colombia One says “over the Caribbean.”
• Altitude. Reports give about 36,000 feet (NBC 6), 35,000 feet (Colombia One) and 34,000 feet (WSVN).
• Cause. ABC7 said officials had not said whether weather caused the turbulence. None of the reports reviewed mention a US or Colombian investigation.
• Passenger count. No outlet reviewed here gives the total number on board.
• Injury details. No medical update had been published at the time of writing.

What happened to the other passengers

Avianca said its airport team was helping remaining passengers continue to New York and that it remained in contact with those affected. WSVN reports Miami airport officials said the flight resumed to JFK at about 8:15 a.m. after hours on the tarmac.

If you’re flying Medellín to New York soon

One incident doesn’t change the route’s schedule, and we have seen no report of cancellations as of October 9. But a few practical points apply to any long overnight flight from Medellín:

• Keep your seat belt fastened whenever seated, even when the sign is off. Cabin video from this flight shows why crews insist on it.
• Check your flight status with Avianca before heading to the airport, especially if you are connecting onward from JFK. Passenger rights after a diversion depend on the airline’s policy and on the rules that apply to your ticket (US Department of Transportation or Colombia’s Aerocivil), so ask Avianca what applies to you.
• Consider travel insurance that covers medical care and delays, particularly on a one-way move or a long trip.
• Plan your airport time. Getting to Rionegro airport takes longer than most visitors expect; see our notes on Túnel de Oriente night closures affecting the airport route.

For more on flying in and out of the city, read our coverage of the new JetSMART Medellín–Buenos Aires nonstop and what US travelers should know about airport entry screening.

This is a news summary compiled from published reports as of October 9, 2026; we have no first-hand account of the flight. We will update it if Avianca or US authorities release further details.