An Air New Zealand flight on Wednesday was so turbulent that it caused passengers to feel sick. One passenger said some vomited. Now, the airline is offering passengers a complete refund.

The flight, NZ5715 from Christchurch to Invercargill in New Zealand, faced "strong turbulence during the descent," according to a statement from Air New Zealand to USA TODAY.

A passenger from Invercargill, Owen Scott, told Stuff, however, that the hour-long flight was turbulent for 50 minutes. He also said that, by his estimation, 20 percent of the passengers on the flight vomited because of it.

"The flight made a normal landing in Invercargill, however, emergency services were on hand to provide assistance to some customers who were feeling unwell," the statement from the airline continued. "Air New Zealand offered customers travelling on the flight a full refund in recognition of their experience, and customers also had the option of attending a debrief with the flight crew."

Scott praised the pilot for handling winds the pilot said exceeded 110 mph. "I would say he had his work cut out, he would have been busy up there," he told Stuff. "I think Air New Zealand did a great job; I think the pilot deserves a medal."

USA TODAY has reached out to Air New Zealand for further comment.