New Delhi, India: An Air India Airbus A320 operating flight AI2379 from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, August 4, leaving several passengers and cabin crew with minor injuries before the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
The incident occurred during the flight’s final phase, although reports differ on the exact timing. While early media reports said the turbulence struck during the aircraft’s descent into Delhi, Air India later clarified that the aircraft encountered turbulence while in cruise, resulting in a brief change in altitude.
The Airbus A320, carrying 134 passengers, landed safely shortly after 11:00 a.m. IST. All passengers and crew disembarked normally after arrival, with Air India’s airport and medical teams meeting the aircraft at the gate.
According to PTI, 12 people, including passengers and cabin crew, sustained minor injuries during the turbulence event. Other reports indicated that around 10 passengers and two cabin crew members were taken to the Medanta medical facility at Delhi Airport for precautionary medical assessment. Seven passengers were later moved to Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj for further evaluation, scans, and observation. Air India said there were no serious injuries.
Some early reports stated the aircraft experienced a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet during the turbulence, causing unrestrained occupants to be thrown against the cabin interior and resulting in minor injuries. Air India, however, described the event as a “momentary change in altitude” without confirming the reported altitude deviation.
Speaking to news agency ANI, a passenger on board the flight claimed the aircraft experienced a sudden jolt about an hour and a half into the journey while most passengers were asleep.
According to the passenger, the aircraft abruptly dropped and swayed violently for nearly two to three minutes, leaving several people injured.
In an official statement, Air India said, “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain Air India’s highest priority.”
The airline added that a small number of passengers and crew members requiring medical assessment were taken to the airport medical facility as a precaution and confirmed that it is providing all necessary assistance while cooperating with the relevant authorities reviewing the incident.
