New Delhi, Aug. 5 : An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that encountered severe turbulence, leaving 17 people injured, triggered panic among passengers, with one traveller describing the mid-air ordeal as a moment when they feared for their lives.
Italian passenger Viviana, who was on board the flight, recounted that the aircraft was suddenly hit by intense turbulence, causing violent shaking and throwing several passengers from their seats. She said her mother sustained a head injury during the incident, while multiple other passengers were also hurt.
“We thought we’d die,” Viviana said, recalling the terrifying moments as the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude.
Air India said flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320neo, experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise before continuing normally and landing safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The airline said the aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. Of them, 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals for medical evaluation. Several injured passengers have since been discharged, while others continue to receive treatment.
Air India said it was extending all necessary assistance to the affected passengers and crew and was cooperating with aviation authorities in the investigation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed probe into the incident. The aircraft has been moved to a hangar, while the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been secured for examination.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said passenger safety remains the highest priority and senior officials are monitoring the situation while coordinating with hospitals and the airline to ensure medical care for those injured.
