A routine Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi turned into a frightening experience for passengers on Tuesday after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence during its journey, causing a sudden drop of nearly 300 feet. The incident left at least 12 passengers and crew members with minor injuries, though the aircraft landed safely at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
According to Air India, flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a brief turbulence event while cruising. The unexpected disturbance resulted in a momentary loss of altitude, alarming passengers on board. Despite the sudden drop, the pilots maintained control of the aircraft and completed the flight safely.
Data from flight tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft descended by approximately 300 feet, likely due to turbulence caused by an updraft or downdraft. The flight departed Phuket at 8:25 am and landed safely in Delhi at 11:50 am (Indian Standard Time). All passengers and crew members were able to disembark after landing.
In an official statement, Air India said there were no serious injuries. However, a limited number of passengers and crew members who sustained minor injuries were taken to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination and treatment by the airline's medical team.
"The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain Air India's highest priority. We are providing all necessary support to those affected and are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as part of the investigation," an Air India spokesperson said.
However, visuals from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport suggested that some passengers suffered more significant visible injuries than initially indicated. Videos showed injured passengers being transported in wheelchairs for medical assistance.
One male passenger was seen with extensive bandages covering his face and head, including one eye, as he was taken to an ambulance. A female Air India cabin crew member was also seen in a wheelchair wearing a neck collar, highlighting the impact of the turbulence on those aboard.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks posed by unexpected turbulence during flights. While such events are relatively common in aviation, sudden and severe turbulence can lead to injuries, particularly if passengers are not wearing seat belts or if crew members are serving in the cabin.
Turbulence refers to irregular air movement that causes an aircraft to shake or experience abrupt changes in altitude. It is generally caused by variations in wind speed and direction, weather systems, jet streams, mountain waves, or atmospheric instability.
Aviation experts note that modern commercial aircraft are engineered to withstand forces much greater than those generated by normal or even severe turbulence. In most cases, turbulence poses little threat to the structural integrity of an aircraft. The greatest risk is to passengers and crew who are standing, walking in the aisle, or not securely fastened with their seat belts when the aircraft encounters sudden air disturbances.
The latest incident serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping seat belts fastened whenever seated, even when the seat belt sign is switched off, as turbulence can occur unexpectedly without visible warning. Air India has assured full cooperation with the authorities as the incident is reviewed and has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety.
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