Air India's Phuket-Delhi flight experiences turbulence, 15 injured

Air India said its flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude

An Air India (A-I) flight from Phuket to the national capital faced mid-air turbulence and the aircraft suddenly lost 300 feet in altitude on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 15 people onboard injured, including one cabin crew member who suffered severe injuries, according to officials.

 

The flight from Phuket, landed safely at the Delhi airport at around 11.30 am. There were 134 passengers and 8 crew members on board, sources said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the incident. Sources said at least 15 people, including 11 passengers and 4 cabin crew members, sustained injuries, and all of them have been moved to various hospitals.  

 

“Pilot In Command reported a severe injury to one cabin crew member, injury to another and minor injuries to a few passengers due to a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet altitude,” a senior DGCA official told PTI. 

In a statement, an A-I spokesperson said the flight experienced a brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude. “There has been no report of serious injuries. 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 A-I’s airport team and medical personnel,” the spokesperson said in a statement issued at around 1.30 pm. The spokesperson also said the airline was providing all necessary support to those affected.