Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence lasting up to five minutes and briefly lost nearly 300 feet in altitude. Thirteen passengers and four crew members were injured, with some cabin crew suffering spinal, neck and tailbone injuries.
Air India Flight Faces Five Minutes Of Severe Turbulence
An Air India flight travelling from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe mid-air turbulence for nearly five minutes, briefly losing about 300 feet in altitude and leaving 17 people injured.
The Airbus A320neo operating as flight AI2379 was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when the incident occurred during the cruise phase on Tuesday, August 4. Despite the sudden altitude loss, the aircraft continued operating normally and landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 11:07 AM IST.
Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu said the turbulence continued for around four to five minutes. The aircraft still had nearly an hour of flying time remaining, during which injured cabin crew members continued assisting passengers and maintaining order inside the aircraft.
Crew Members Suffer Spinal And Neck Injuries
Naidu said some crew members suffered spinal injuries, including injuries near the neck and tailbone. Doctors advised them to rest and remain under medical observation.
A total of 13 passengers and four cabin crew members were taken to hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Air India later confirmed that all 13 passengers had been discharged, while the four crew members remained under medical care.
The minister praised the cabin crew for continuing to support passengers despite being injured. Passengers reportedly experienced a sudden and forceful jolt, with some being thrown from their seats or striking overhead cabin panels. Images and videos circulating after the incident showed damage to parts of the cabin ceiling.
DGCA Secures Flight Recorders For Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched a detailed investigation into the incident. The aircraft was removed from service and shifted to a separate hangar soon after landing.
Investigators have secured the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder to examine the aircraft’s altitude, speed, weather conditions, pilot communications and actions taken during the turbulence. The inquiry will determine whether the sudden drop was caused entirely by severe weather or whether any technical factor contributed to the event.
Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and DGCA Director General Vir Vikram Yadav visited the injured crew members and passengers at hospitals in Delhi. Air India said it was cooperating fully with the investigation and had informed the aircraft manufacturer.
Air India Says Aircraft Landed Safely
Air India described the incident as a sudden loss of altitude during cruise followed by normal continuation of the flight. The airline said its teams remained in contact with those affected and were providing medical and logistical assistance.
The safe landing prevented the incident from becoming a larger emergency, but the injuries underline the risks posed by severe and unexpected turbulence. Aviation authorities generally advise passengers to keep their seat belts fastened whenever seated, even when the seat-belt sign is switched off. The findings from the flight recorders are expected to clarify the exact sequence of events and help authorities assess whether additional operational or passenger-safety measures are required.
