Severe turbulence on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi lasted around five minutes and left 17 people injured, including crew members who suffered spinal and neck injuries, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said.
The Airbus A320neo operating flight AI2379 experienced a sudden loss of around 300 feet in altitude while cruising on Tuesday. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, continued its journey and landed safely at Delhi airport at 11:07 am.
Naidu said the cabin crew displayed courage by continuing to assist passengers for nearly an hour after the turbulence despite sustaining injuries themselves.
He added that some crew members suffered injuries near the tailbone and neck and are under medical supervision.
A total of 13 passengers and four crew members were taken to hospitals after the incident. Air India confirmed that all 13 passengers have been discharged, while the four crew members remain under treatment.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident and secured the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder for examination.
The aircraft has been moved to a hangar, and the findings will be shared after the investigation is completed. Air India said it is cooperating with authorities and has informed the aircraft manufacturer.
