Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Turbulence, 17 Injured

Passengers on an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight had a scare on Tuesday as the aircraft experienced a brief mid-air turbulence. 

Air India said 17 people, including four crew members, sustained injuries.

The airline said flight AI379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a brief turbulence-related event during cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude. 

It said the aircraft, which had 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members on board, landed safely in Delhi and all passengers and crew disembarked safely. 

The airline stated there have been no serious injuries as of now. "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 by Air India's airport team and medical personnel," the statement added.

Passengers said after landing that there was a sudden altitude drop due to which some people were injured. 

"There was a sudden drop in the plane's altitude. I hit my head on the roof and then fell down," a passenger said.

In a statement later in the evening, the airline said five passengers have been discharged. 

"Earlier today, Air India flight AI2379 operating from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise.  After the momentary event, the aircraft continued normally and landed safely in Delhi at 11:07 hrs IST. The Airbus A320neo aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. Of these, 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical evaluation. As of 18:50 hrs on 4 August, five passengers have been discharged, while the remaining individuals continue to receive treatment and care," it said.

"Air India teams remain at the hospitals and in close contact with those affected to provide all necessary assistance and support," it added.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an inquiry into the incident and that passenger safety is the priority. 

"Hon'ble Minister of Civil Aviation personally visited Fortis Hospital, accompanied by the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and DG DGCA to enquire about the condition of the injured passengers and assure them of all necessary assistance. Senior officers of the Ministry have also visited Fortis and Medanta Hospitals and are closely coordinating with the hospital authorities and the airline to ensure the best possible medical care and all necessary support to the injured," the ministry said in a statement. 

"The aircraft has been moved to the hangar and the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been secured for detailed examination. DGCA has initiated a detailed investigation into the occurrence. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA are closely monitoring the situation. Passenger safety remains the highest priority, and all necessary measures are being taken," it added.