Safety – Air India Flight From Phuket Encounters Severe Turbulence, Investigation Underway
Safety – Passenger safety and aviation investigation updates continue to remain in focus after an Air India flight travelling from Phuket to Delhi experienced severe mid-air turbulence, leaving several passengers and crew members injured while prompting a regulatory inquiry.-
An Air India flight operating between Phuket and Delhi encountered intense turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, causing the aircraft to briefly lose around 300 feet in altitude. The sudden movement injured multiple people onboard, including passengers and cabin crew members. While most of those affected have since been discharged from hospitals, aviation authorities have begun a detailed investigation into the incident to determine its exact cause.
Majority of Injured Passengers Return Home
According to Air India, Flight AI2379 was carrying 137 passengers along with eight crew members when the incident occurred. The airline confirmed on Wednesday that 13 injured passengers had received medical treatment and were discharged from hospital. However, four members of the cabin crew remain under medical supervision as they continue to recover from their injuries.
The airline stated that its representatives are staying in regular contact with those receiving treatment and are extending every possible form of assistance. Air India also reiterated that the well-being of passengers and employees remains its highest priority and assured continued support for the injured individuals and their families throughout the investigation process.
Flight Completed Journey Safely
The Airbus A320neo departed Phuket at 8:27 a.m. local time and arrived safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 at approximately 11:07 a.m. The aircraft reached its destination about 43 minutes earlier than its scheduled arrival despite the disruption experienced during the flight.
Initial information shared by aviation officials suggests that the turbulence episode occurred outside Indian airspace, with the incident believed to have taken place at around 10:30 a.m. Indian Standard Time. Authorities have indicated that a suspected temporary technical issue may have contributed to the sudden altitude change, though the exact circumstances remain under examination.
Aircraft Grounded for Detailed Examination
Following the aircraft’s arrival in Delhi, the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the aircraft had been moved to a maintenance hangar for technical inspection. Investigators have secured both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which will be analysed as part of the official inquiry.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formally launched an investigation to establish the sequence of events and identify whether any technical or operational factors were involved. Officials are expected to review flight data, crew reports and maintenance records before reaching any conclusions.
Government Extends Support to Passengers
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu visited Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj shortly after the aircraft landed and met several injured passengers. During the visit, he assured them that the government would provide all necessary support and closely monitor the progress of the investigation.
The Ministry also stated that medical teams were immediately deployed upon the aircraft’s arrival to examine passengers and crew members, ensuring that anyone requiring treatment received prompt medical attention.
Passenger Describes Moments of Fear
Among those travelling on the flight was Prince Chadha, a Greater Noida resident and lead security researcher, who was returning from a holiday with his brother, Ritik Chadha. Recalling the incident, he said the turbulence came unexpectedly and created panic inside the cabin.
He also mentioned that passengers were informed the aircraft might make an emergency landing in Lucknow. However, after the situation stabilised, the flight continued safely to Delhi, where it landed without further complications. Authorities are expected to use passenger accounts alongside technical evidence to better understand the sequence of events leading to the incident.