An American Airlines plane has been forced to make an emergency landing in Tokyo after several passengers and a member of staff were injured by severe turbulence.

The plane was on route from Incheon in South Korea to Dallas when it was struck by the adverse weather.

Following the landing, five people needed hospital treatment, the airline said, but none of the injuries were life-threatening.

“Medical personnel have been able to evaluate all passengers and crew members asking for medical attention,” the airline said in a statement.

“Four passengers and one crew member have been transported to local hospitals for further observation and treatment.”

The turbulence, which occurred about 75 minutes into the flight, caused food to be thrown around the cabin.

The plane landed at Tokyo’s Narita airport in the early hours of Wednesday.

It was expected to continue on to the United States today.