New Delhi: Panic broke out among passengers of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on Tuesday after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence during the journey, resulting in a sudden altitude drop of around 300 feet. At least 12 passengers and crew members suffered minor injuries in the incident.
#WATCH | Delhi: Several passengers injured after Air India flight encounters severe air turbulence while travelling from Phuket to Delhi pic.twitter.com/OM1lXKRKcm
— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2026
Air India flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a brief turbulence-related event while cruising, leading to a momentary change in altitude. The aircraft later landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, and all passengers and crew members disembarked.
Aircraft Drops 300 Feet Mid-Air During Turbulence
According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft reportedly descended by nearly 300 feet, likely due to turbulence caused by sudden changes in airflow.
The flight had departed from Phuket at 8:25 am and reached Delhi at 11:50 am (IST).
Air India confirmed that there were no reports of serious injuries. However, several passengers and crew members who sustained injuries were taken to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination and treatment.
“The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain Air India’s highest priority. We are providing all necessary support to those affected and are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as part of the investigation,” an Air India spokesperson said.
Visuals Show Injured Passengers Taken for Treatment
While the airline described the injuries as minor, visuals from Delhi airport showed some injured passengers being taken for medical assistance on wheelchairs.
Videos showed a male passenger with a bandaged face and head being moved towards an ambulance, while a female Air India crew member was seen being assisted in a wheelchair with a neck support collar.
The airline’s medical team provided immediate assistance to affected passengers and crew members following the landing.
What Causes Air Turbulence?
Air turbulence refers to irregular movements in airflow that can cause an aircraft to shake or experience sudden changes in altitude. It is commonly caused by changes in wind speed and direction, weather conditions, mountain waves or jet streams.
Most turbulence incidents are not dangerous as modern aircraft are built to withstand strong forces. However, severe turbulence can cause injuries, especially when passengers or crew members are not wearing seat belts or are moving inside the cabin.
Air India said it is cooperating with authorities and reviewing the incident as part of the investigation.