TORONTO (REUTERS) - An American Air plane was diverted to an airport in eastern Canada on Sunday (Jan 24) after hitting heavy turbulence which led to injuries, an airport spokesman said.

The flight, which was bound for Milan from Miami with 203 people on board, landed at St. John's, Newfoundland, airport at around 8.30pm local time and was met by emergency vehicles and ambulances.

"They had experienced some turbulence which resulted in injuries so they diverted to St John's," said Ms Sara Norris, spokesman St John's International Airport.

She did not know how many people were injured. Of the 203 people on board, 192 were passengers and 11 crew members.