A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 777-200 aircraft that experienced severe turbulence on a flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle yesterday has been cleared to return to Hanoi today.

The aircraft, which was grounded for checks following the incident, will depart Paris in a few hours, says an airline spokesman.

"There is no damage to the aircraft, and it has been cleared for takeoff," he adds.

Twenty-one people, including three crew members, were injured in the turbulence incident on the flight from Hanoi. The aircraft landed safely in Paris.

Of the 21, nine were hospitalised, says the airline. Currently, only one passenger is still in hospital and he will be discharged today, says the spokesman.

The airline is assisting with investigations into the incident, he adds.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news