Several hurt after AI2379 encounters sudden turbulence; all passengers land safely.
An Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi encountered turbulence during its cruise on Tuesday, resulting in a brief altitude change and minor injuries to a small number of passengers and crew members.
Flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320, experienced a short turbulence-related incident while in the cruise phase. The aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet in altitude after encountering the turbulence.
The flight, carrying 134 passengers, landed safely at Delhi airport shortly after 11am on Tuesday. All passengers and crew members were able to disembark safely following the landing.
Injured passengers undergo medical assessment
Delhi airport sources said around 10 passengers and two crew members were taken to the Medanta medical centre at the airport for treatment following the turbulence incident.
Air India confirmed that some passengers and crew members sustained minor injuries and were taken to a medical facility as a precautionary measure.
“There have been no reports of serious injuries so far. A small number of passengers and crew members who sustained minor injuries and required medical assessment were taken to the airport’s medical facility as a precaution, where they are receiving care from Air India’s airport team and medical personnel,” an airline spokesperson said.
Air India provides support to affected passengers
Air India said it is extending all necessary assistance to passengers affected by the incident and is cooperating with authorities as they review the turbulence event.
“Air India confirms that flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on 4 August, experienced a brief turbulence-related event during the cruise phase, resulting in a temporary change in altitude,” an airline spokesperson said.
“The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and all passengers and crew members were able to disembark without further incident,” the airline added.
Passenger recalls two to three minutes of turbulence
A passenger told ANI that the turbulence occurred during the early morning flight while many travellers were asleep, lasting for around two to three minutes.
“We will 100 per cent take action against Air India,” the passenger said.
A passenger told ANI that the turbulence occurred around an hour and a half after take-off, when many travellers were asleep.
“We were sleeping when the aircraft suddenly stopped moving normally and began shaking. It continued for around two to three minutes,” the passenger said.
The passenger claimed that around 15 to 20 people were injured among the more than 100 passengers on board and said, “We will 100 per cent take action against Air India.”
Air India has not disclosed the exact number of injuries or provided further details about the turbulence incident. The airline reiterated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
