Air India Phuket-Delhi flight drops 300 feet during turbulence, passengers and crew injured

An Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi encountered turbulence during its cruise on Tuesday, causing a brief change in altitude and leaving several passengers and crew members injured.

Flight AI2379, carrying 134 passengers, reportedly dropped around 300 feet mid-air after experiencing the turbulence-related event.

The aircraft landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, and all passengers and crew members disembarked without further issues.

12 onboard injured, including two crew members

According to sources, 12 people onboard the aircraft, including two crew members, sustained injuries following the turbulence. Some reports also suggested there was minor damage to the aircraft.

Air India confirmed that a small number of passengers and crew members suffered minor injuries and were taken for medical assessment.

“There have been no serious injuries as of now. A small number of passengers and crew members with minor injuries requiring medical assessment have been taken to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination and care by Air India’s airport team and medical personnel,” the airline said.

Seven passengers admitted to Fortis Hospital

Seven passengers from the flight were admitted to Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment, the hospital said.

The passengers were taken to the emergency department after Air India alerted the hospital about the turbulence incident.

Fortis said the passengers were assessed immediately, and treatment was started. A Code Yellow was activated after initial stabilisation to coordinate medical response and resources.

The hospital said patients underwent radiological investigations, including CT scans, MRIs and X-rays, as required, and were moved for further observation.

Air India says investigation underway

An Air India spokesperson said flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a “brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude”.

“The aircraft landed safely in Delhi and all passengers and crew have safely disembarked,” the spokesperson said.

The airline added that its airport team and medical personnel were assisting affected passengers and crew members.

“The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain Air India’s highest priority. We are providing all necessary support to those affected and are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as part of the investigation,” the spokesperson said.

Passenger recalls two-three minutes of turbulence

A passenger told ANI that the turbulence struck while many travellers were asleep during the early morning flight and lasted for around two to three minutes.

“We will 100% take action against Air India,” the passenger said.

“It had been around an hour and a half since take-off. We were sleeping when the aircraft suddenly stopped moving normally and turned around. It continued like that for two to three minutes,” the passenger told ANI.

The passenger claimed that around 15 to 20 people were injured among the more than 100 passengers onboard and said, “We will 100% take action against Air India.”

Visuals from Delhi airport showed ambulances stationed outside the terminal, with some passengers being assisted in wheelchairs and others seen with bandages before being taken for medical checks.