An Air India flight travelling from Phuket to Delhi encountered a sudden and intense turbulence episode on Tuesday, August 4, leaving several passengers and crew members injured. The Airbus A320neo operating flight AI2379 briefly lost around 300 feet in altitude before stabilising and continuing towards Delhi. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where medical teams were prepared to assist the injured. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Air India Flight Loses 300 Feet During Turbulence
The Air India Phuket-Delhi flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members. During the cruise, the aircraft experienced a sudden change in altitude, described by aviation authorities as a loss of approximately 300 feet. Air India said the aircraft continued normally after the brief event and landed in Delhi at around 11:07 am. The airline stated that all passengers and crew members were able to disembark safely.
17 Passengers And Crew Reportedly Injured
#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
Reports on the number of injured initially varied as medical assessments were carried out. Air India’s later statement said 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for evaluation. The airline said five passengers had been discharged by 6:50 pm, while others continued to receive treatment and care. The Ministry of Civil Aviation also said injured passengers and crew members were being provided medical assistance and that those admitted were stable. One cabin crew member was reported to have suffered serious injuries, while other injuries were described as minor or requiring medical evaluation.
DGCA Launches Detailed Investigation
Following the Air India Phuket-Delhi turbulence incident, the DGCA initiated a detailed inquiry to determine what caused the sudden altitude loss and the resulting injuries. The aircraft has been moved to a hangar, while its Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been secured for examination. These records are expected to help investigators reconstruct what happened during the flight and establish whether turbulence, a technical issue or another factor contributed to the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said passenger safety remains the priority. Air India has also said it is cooperating with the authorities and providing assistance to those affected.