At least 12 people, including 10 passengers and two cabin crew members, suffered injuries after an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi encountered severe mid-air turbulence on Tuesday, August 4.
The aircraft, operating as flight AI2379, was carrying 134 passengers when it experienced a sudden loss of altitude while cruising towards Indira Gandhi International Airport. Despite the mid-air scare, the plane landed safely in Delhi shortly after 11:00 AM. Emergency medical teams and ambulances were waiting to assist the injured.
Mid-Air Altitude Drop Causes Panic Onboard
According to flight-tracking data and passenger accounts, the Airbus A320 aircraft encountered a sudden weather-related event roughly an hour and a half into the journey while cruising at high altitude. Furthermore, reports indicate the aircraft dropped nearly 300 feet momentarily. This caused unbuckled passengers and crew members to be thrown from their seats.
Travelers onboard described moments of panic as the aircraft shook violently for two to three minutes. Several individuals suffered head, neck, and shoulder impacts during the sudden altitude shift. Upon arrival in Delhi, visuals showed affected passengers being escorted out of the terminal in wheelchairs. They were transferred to nearby airport medical facilities for precautionary care.
Air India Statement and Medical Support
In an official statement, Air India confirmed the turbulence incident during the flight’s cruise phase and emphasized that no serious injuries were recorded.
“Air India confirms that flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on 4 August, experienced a brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude,” an Air India spokesperson said. “The aircraft landed safely in Delhi and all passengers and crew have safely disembarked. 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.”
The airline added that its airport ground team and medical personnel are extending full support to those affected. It also said that it is cooperating with civil aviation authorities conducting a routine review of the event.
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