Air India has confirmed that flight AI2379, traveling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a brief but intense in-flight turbulence event. The incident caused a momentary shift in the aircraft’s altitude, leading to injuries among those on board.
Of the 137 passengers and eight crew members present on the flight, 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries. All affected individuals were transported to a hospital for medical assessment. By 5:20 pm UAE time, five of the injured passengers had been discharged.
Footage circulating online, including clips shared by the news agency ANI, depicts passengers being moved from ambulances upon arrival. Reports indicate that emergency medical teams, including ambulances and wheelchairs, were positioned at the terminal gate to assist those requiring immediate care.
One passenger described the ordeal to ANI, noting that the turbulence occurred unexpectedly while many were sleeping, roughly 90 minutes into the flight. The individual stated that the aircraft tilted sharply and remained in that unstable state for approximately two to three minutes.
The passenger further claimed that between 15 and 20 people were injured during the event, citing specific injuries to a baby and various passengers, including themselves and their brother, who suffered shoulder and back trauma. They noted that the full extent of the injuries would be clarified once medico-legal reports are finalized.
Online images and unverified video footage have also surfaced, appearing to show damage to the aircraft’s interior, including visible cracks and dents in the cabin ceiling.
In response to the incident, the airline stated that it is prioritizing the safety and well-being of its passengers and staff. Air India confirmed it is providing necessary support to those affected and is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities throughout the ongoing investigation.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal, detailed investigation into the matter. According to reports, the aircraft has been relocated to a hangar, and officials have secured the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to facilitate a thorough technical examination.
“The flight had been in the air for about an hour and a half.
Meher Dhanjal is a Digital Journalist who breaks news first and breathes second.
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Source: Khaleej Times
