PHUKET, Thailand – Seventeen people were injured Tuesday when Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi hit severe turbulence and suddenly dropped altitude. The Airbus A320neo landed safely in Delhi, and five injured passengers have already been discharged from hospital.
Thirteen passengers and four crew members were taken to hospital for medical checks after the turbulence-related altitude loss. Air India said there were no serious injuries and the checks were precautionary.
Passengers report sudden drop
Travelers described a terrifying jolt mid-flight. One passenger said after landing:
There was a sudden drop in altitude. I hit my head on the ceiling and then fell down.
said a passenger.
The Airbus A320neo departed Phuket with 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members. After the brief incident, the aircraft continued its flight to Delhi.
Plane lands safely at Indira Gandhi airport
The landing took place safely at 11:07 a.m. Indian time at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. All passengers and crew were able to disembark the aircraft.
Air India later updated that five of the injured passengers had been released from hospital. The remaining injured passengers and crew continued to receive medical treatment and care.
Airline pledges support
The airline said:
Air India teams remain at the hospitals and are in close contact with those affected to provide all necessary help and support.
said Air India in a statement.
DGCA launches investigation
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation. The agency will examine the turbulence event and the sudden altitude loss.
The aircraft has been moved to a hangar. Investigators have secured the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder for the probe.
Civil aviation minister visits injured passengers
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation visited the injured passengers at the hospital. The ministry said passenger safety is the top priority. The detailed DGCA investigation is ongoing.