Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence Leaves 17 Injured, DGCA Begins Probe
New Delhi, August 5: An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi was hit by severe turbulence during its journey. The incident injured 17 people, including passengers and cabin crew. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and India’s aviation regulator has started an investigation.
The flight, AI2379, was operated by an Airbus A320neo. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft briefly lost around 300 feet of altitude while cruising at about 36,000 feet.
DGCA Starts Investigation
The DGCA has launched a detailed probe into the incident. Officials have secured the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). These devices will help investigators understand what happened during the flight.
The aircraft has also been inspected as part of the investigation. Authorities have not yet announced the exact cause of the turbulence.
17 People Suffer Injuries
The flight landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
According to official information, 17 people were injured. This includes 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Medical teams treated the injured after landing. Some passengers were later taken to hospitals for further care.
Passengers Describe a Frightening Experience
Several passengers said the turbulence came without warning. Videos shared on social media showed luggage scattered across the cabin and damaged overhead compartments.
Many passengers described moments of panic as the aircraft shook violently. Air India has not commented on the passenger videos.
Air India Assures Full Cooperation
Air India said it is cooperating fully with the DGCA investigation. The airline confirmed the aircraft landed safely despite the turbulence.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also met injured passengers and assured them that the government would provide all necessary assistance.
What Happens Next?
The DGCA will examine flight data, cockpit recordings, weather conditions, and aircraft systems before releasing its final report.
At present, officials have not identified the exact reason for the turbulence. The investigation is ongoing.
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