New Delhi: An Air India flight travelling from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, resulting in a brief change in altitude and leaving a number of passengers and crew members with minor injuries. The aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where medical teams were on standby to assist those affected.
Flight AI2379, which was operating from Phuket to Delhi, experienced what the airline described as a “brief in-flight turbulence-related event” while cruising at altitude.
Aircraft Lands Safely in Delhi
In an official statement, Air India confirmed that the turbulence caused a momentary change in the aircraft’s altitude but emphasized that the flight landed safely without any further complications.
According to the airline, all passengers and crew members disembarked normally after landing, and there were no reports of serious injuries.
However, a small number of passengers and crew members who sustained minor injuries were taken to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination and treatment.
Air India’s airport team and medical personnel assisted the injured immediately after the aircraft arrived in Delhi.
Passengers Describe Sudden Turbulence
Several passengers described the incident as unexpected and intense.
One passenger said the flight had been airborne for around one-and-a-half hours when the turbulence struck. Since it was early morning, many passengers were asleep when the aircraft suddenly began shaking violently.
According to the passenger, the aircraft tilted sharply and continued to experience severe movement for nearly two to three minutes, causing panic inside the cabin.
The passenger claimed that several travellers suffered injuries during the turbulence, including a child.
He also said he sustained injuries to his lower back, while his brother suffered injuries to his shoulder and back.
The passenger estimated that 15 to 20 people may have been injured, although the exact number has not been officially confirmed. He added that the full extent of injuries would become clear after medical examinations and medico-legal reports.
Emergency Medical Assistance at Airport
Visuals from Delhi airport showed ambulances stationed outside the arrival terminal, while airport staff assisted several passengers.
Some passengers were seen leaving the terminal in wheelchairs, while others had bandages on their heads before being taken for medical evaluation as a precaution.
Medical teams remained on standby to examine injured passengers and provide immediate treatment where necessary.
Air India Assures Full Support
Air India reiterated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
The airline said it is extending all necessary assistance to those affected by the incident and is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities as part of the investigation into the turbulence event.
Officials are expected to review flight data and weather conditions encountered during the journey to determine the circumstances that led to the sudden turbulence.
While turbulence is a common occurrence in aviation, severe episodes can occasionally result in injuries, particularly when passengers or crew members are not securely seated or are moving around the cabin.
