At least 17 people were injured when an Air India flight experienced sudden turbulence over the Bay of Bengal, causing the aircraft to drop 300 feet mid-air.
Incident details
The Airbus A320, operating as flight AI2379 from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India, encountered the turbulence about 90 minutes after takeoff. The plane was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members.
Video footage showed a cracked ceiling inside the cabin, apparently caused by the force of the sudden drop. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi at 11:07 am local time, where injured passengers and crew were seen being taken to waiting ambulances, some in wheelchairs and with bandages.
Injuries and response
Air India confirmed that 13 passengers and four crew members were injured and taken to hospital for medical checks. In an update on X, the airline said 12 people remained in hospital for treatment, while five had been discharged.
One unnamed passenger told local media that most passengers were sleeping when the aircraft suddenly tilted. Some people, including children, suffered head injuries. The passenger said: 'I hurt my lower back and my brother's shoulder is injured, and his eardrum is burst.'
Airline statement
Air India said in a statement: 'Earlier today, Air India flight AI2379 operating from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise. After the momentary event, the aircraft continued normally and landed safely in Delhi at 11:07 hrs IST. Air India teams remain at the hospitals and in close contact with those affected to provide all necessary assistance and support. In accordance with established safety and regulatory procedures, the relevant regulatory authorities have been informed. Air India is fully cooperating with the investigation, and the aircraft manufacturer has also been notified. Air India's foremost priority remains the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew. We will continue to support those affected and their families and will work closely with the relevant authorities throughout the course of the investigation.'
Previous disaster
This incident comes a year after an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed near Ahmedabad airport in one of the country's worst aviation disasters, killing 260 people. Only one person on board survived. A draft final report into that crash is expected later this year.
