GUWAHATI: Fourteen people, including 10 passengers and four crew members, were injured after an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered turbulence mid-air on Tuesday, August 4. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
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According to reports, the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude of around 300 feet during the flight. The Airbus A320, registered as VT-EXO, landed safely in Delhi at around 11 AM, according to flight tracking data.
Flight AI2379 had departed from Phuket at 8:41 AM (local time).
Following the landing, the injured passengers and crew were provided immediate medical assistance. More than 10 passengers and two crew members were initially taken to the Medanta medical centre at the airport. Subsequently, 14 injured persons- 10 passengers and four crew members- were shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram and the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in Vasant Kunj for further evaluation and treatment.
In a statement, Air India confirmed that Flight AI2379 experienced a brief turbulence-related event while cruising, resulting in a momentary change in altitude.
"The aircraft landed safely in Delhi and all passengers and crew have safely disembarked. 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 airline said.
Air India added that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority and said it is extending all necessary assistance to those affected while cooperating with the relevant authorities as part of the investigation into the incident.