SYDNEY, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Three people have been hospitalized after a Delta Air Lines flight into Sydney on Friday morning experienced severe turbulence.

Ambulance paramedics were called to Sydney Airport to meet Delta flight 41 on arrival at 6:48 a.m. local time on Friday.

Sydney radio station 2GB reported that the flight, which departed Los Angeles around 10:10 p.m. local time on Wednesday night, had been struck by intense turbulence, causing crew and passengers to be jolted from their seats.

Five people were treated by ambulance paramedics at Sydney Airport and three crew members were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A spokesperson for the airline told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that 245 passengers were on board the flight.

"Delta flight 41 from Los Angeles encountered brief turbulence upon descent into Sydney," said the spokesperson. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and our customers, and our priority is taking care of the impacted crew members." ■