New Delhi, Aug 4: At least 15 people were injured after an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe mid-air turbulence on Tuesday, causing the aircraft to suddenly lose nearly 300 feet in altitude before safely landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The incident involved Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 carrying 134 passengers and crew. The aircraft experienced violent turbulence during its journey, throwing several passengers and cabin crew from their seats despite the crew’s efforts to manage the situation.
According to reports, 15 people, including four cabin crew members, sustained injuries. Medical teams were stationed at the airport upon the aircraft’s arrival, and the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Most injuries were reported to be minor, while a few passengers required further medical observation.
Passengers described the ordeal as terrifying, with many saying they feared for their lives as the aircraft abruptly lost altitude during the turbulence. Despite the incident, the pilots safely landed the aircraft in Delhi.
In a statement, Air India confirmed the turbulence-related incident and said all passengers and crew disembarked safely after landing. The airline added that it is extending all necessary assistance to those injured.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the sudden altitude loss and injuries.
