An Air India flight traveling from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden and violent encounter with severe turbulence on August 4, leaving 17 people injured. Flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo, was cruising at altitude when it unexpectedly dropped approximately 300 feet. The jolt was powerful enough to throw unsecured passengers and crew members against cabin fixtures, causing damage to interior panels and overhead compartments.
The incident occurred roughly 90 minutes into the flight. Passengers described a scene of sudden chaos, with some individuals being tossed from their seats and hitting the cabin ceiling. Among the 17 injured were 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Medical teams were waiting at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi when the aircraft landed safely at 11:07 a.m. local time, and those requiring further care were transported to nearby hospitals.
Air India confirmed the event, describing it as a brief, turbulence-related occurrence during the cruise phase. The airline stated that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority. Following the landing, the aircraft was grounded, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sudden altitude loss.
While aviation experts note that aircraft are engineered to withstand forces far greater than those encountered in typical turbulence, the incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by atmospheric disturbances. Cabin crew, who are often moving through the aisles to provide service, remain particularly vulnerable during such unexpected events. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and a technical review of the flight data to understand the specific atmospheric or mechanical factors involved.