Several passengers and crew members were injured after an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence shortly before landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday.
The flight, operated as AI 2379, was carrying 134 passengers when it experienced a sudden turbulence event that caused the aircraft to briefly lose around 300 feet in altitude, according to reports. The incident occurred while the Airbus A320 was approaching Delhi.
Despite the turbulence, the aircraft landed safely in Delhi shortly after 11 am. Medical teams were deployed at the airport to attend to affected passengers following the landing. Several injured passengers and members of the cabin crew were later shifted to hospitals for further treatment.
Reports indicate that at least 10 passengers and four crew members were among those injured, with some requiring additional medical evaluation at facilities including Medanta Hospital in Gurugram and the India Spinal Injury Centre in Vasant Kunj.
Passengers described moments of panic inside the aircraft as the plane encountered intense turbulence. Some travellers reported suffering injuries due to the sudden movement, including shoulder and ear-related injuries.
Air India confirmed that the flight experienced a turbulence-related event but said the aircraft completed the journey safely. The airline’s ground teams assisted passengers after arrival, while authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident highlights the risks posed by severe turbulence, which can occur even during routine commercial flights. Aviation experts have repeatedly advised passengers to keep seat belts fastened whenever seated, as unexpected turbulence can occur without warning.
