Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hits Turbulence, Passengers Injured During Mid-Air Scare

Air India Phuket-Delhi flight A12379 faced sudden turbulence during cruise on 4 August, causing minor injuries to passengers and crew. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi as medical checks and investigation followed.

An Air India flight operating from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi encountered severe turbulence during cruise on Tuesday, resulting in a brief change in altitude and leaving a small number of passengers and crew members with minor injuries.

Air India flight A12379 experienced a "brief in-flight turbulence-related event" while en route to Delhi on 4 August, the airline said in an official statement. The turbulence caused a momentary change in altitude during the flight.

Visuals from the airport showed ambulances stationed outside the terminal gate, with several passengers being assisted out in wheelchairs. Some passengers were seen with bandages on their heads before being taken for medical evaluation.

The aircraft later landed safely in Delhi, and all passengers and crew members disembarked without incident, Air India confirmed.

"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," an Air India spokesperson said.

Speaking to ANI after landing, a passenger described the turbulence as sudden and severe, claiming that the aircraft tilted sharply while many passengers were asleep.

"The flight had been in the air for about an hour and a half. It was early in the morning and we were sleeping. Suddenly, the aircraft tilted and kept moving like that for around two to three minutes," the passenger said.

The passenger claimed that several people sustained injuries during the incident.

"About 15 to 20 passengers have been injured. Someone's baby got hurt. My lower back got injured. My brother got hurt on his shoulder and back. We'll know more once the medico-legal report is prepared," the passenger said.

Air India further stated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority. The airline said it is providing necessary assistance to those affected and cooperating with relevant authorities as part of the investigation.

"We are providing all necessary support to those affected and are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as part of the investigation," the airline added.

The incident has prompted medical evaluation of affected passengers and crew members following the safe arrival of the Phuket-Delhi flight, while further details are awaited as authorities examine the turbulence-related event.