An Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India, encountered severe turbulence on August 4, causing the aircraft to suddenly drop about 300 feet in altitude during the flight [1, 2, 3]. The flight departed Phuket at 08:27 local time and landed safely in Delhi around 11:00 the same day [1].
The turbulence threw passengers and crew violently within the cabin, with several describing it as a traumatic event. One passenger, Palak Raniwala, said, "My father was sitting next to me, and when this happened, his head touched the ceiling. It was a terrifying experience for all of us" [3].
Reports vary on the number of injuries. Air India confirmed 14 injured people, including 10 passengers and 4 crew members, all with minor injuries [1]. Other sources report 17 people injured, with 13 passengers and 4 crew affected; some reportedly remain hospitalized [2, 3].
The total number of passengers onboard is also disputed, with figures ranging from 134 to 137 passengers. Crew numbers vary between 4 and 8 members [1, 3].
All injured received initial medical evaluation upon arrival in Delhi and were later transported to local hospitals and a spinal injury center for further care [1, 3].
Air India confirmed the aircraft experienced a short period of turbulence causing the sudden altitude change and said it would support affected passengers and crew and cooperate with ongoing investigations [1, 3].
Travel expert Gary Leff noted that turbulence injuries are rare but warned passengers to keep seatbelts fastened while seated. He said, "It's very unusual but not rare to have serious turbulence incidents. For there to be an injury of some kind in turbulence is about one in 1.2 million departures. You should still wear your seatbelt when you're seated on the plane" [3].
The next step includes further medical assessments of the injured passengers and crew, while the airline and authorities continue investigations into the turbulence event.
