Air India Flight Loses 300 Feet Altitude, Gives Jitters To Passengers
Flight lands safely in Delhi after sudden mid-air altitude loss; injured receive treatment.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2026-08-04 16:47 GMT
New Delhi: Passengers on board Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight had a harrowing experience on Tuesday after mid-air turbulence left at least 15 people on board injured. Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320, experienced a momentary altitude variation, with the aircraft suddenly losing 300 feet and causing injuries to passengers and crew members. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 11.07 am.
The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members—two pilots and six cabin crew members. Four cabin crew members were among those injured. The injured were shifted to the nearby Fortis and Medanta hospitals. Videos taken by passengers also showed damage to the aircraft’s interiors. The aircraft was moved to a hangar, and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder were secured for detailed examination.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. “The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and DGCA are closely monitoring the situation. Passenger safety remains the highest priority, and all necessary measures are being taken,” MoCA said in a statement.
It added that, immediately upon landing, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew members as a precautionary measure. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. The remaining passengers were provided with the necessary assistance and support.
Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ram Mohan Naidu, accompanied by Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mr Samir Kumar Sinha, visited Fortis Hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured passengers and assured them of all necessary assistance. Senior officers of the ministry were closely coordinating with the hospital authorities and the airline to ensure the best possible medical care and all necessary support for the injured, MoCA officials said.
In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said the flight experienced a brief turbulence-related event during its cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude.
“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. The Airbus A320 neo aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. Of these, 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical evaluation,” Air India said in a statement.
“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 work closely with the relevant authorities throughout the course of the investigation,” the Air India spokesperson said.
Dr Ujjwal Vaid, who heads the Emergency Department at Fortis Vasant Kunj, said one of the cabin crew members had suffered a spinal fracture, while most of the passengers treated at the hospital had sustained minor injuries and were discharged with advice to take oral medication.
Speaking about the crew member who suffered a spinal fracture, Dr Vaid said, “This is a compression-type injury. Passengers and crew members told us that the flight dipped suddenly. Some passengers had fastened their seat belts, while others had not. The crew members had fastened their seat belts. Still, I think it was a sudden dip in pressure that caused their bodies to hit the ceiling vertically.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. “The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and DGCA are closely monitoring the situation. Passenger safety remains the highest priority, and all necessary measures are being taken,” MoCA said in a statement.
It added that, immediately upon landing, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew members as a precautionary measure. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. The remaining passengers were provided with the necessary assistance and support.
Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ram Mohan Naidu, accompanied by Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mr Samir Kumar Sinha, visited Fortis Hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured passengers and assured them of all necessary assistance. Senior officers of the ministry were closely coordinating with the hospital authorities and the airline to ensure the best possible medical care and all necessary support for the injured, MoCA officials said.
In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said the flight experienced a brief turbulence-related event during its cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude.
“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. The Airbus A320 neo aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. Of these, 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical evaluation,” Air India said in a statement.
“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 work closely with the relevant authorities throughout the course of the investigation,” the Air India spokesperson said.
Dr Ujjwal Vaid, who heads the Emergency Department at Fortis Vasant Kunj, said one of the cabin crew members had suffered a spinal fracture, while most of the passengers treated at the hospital had sustained minor injuries and were discharged with advice to take oral medication.
Speaking about the crew member who suffered a spinal fracture, Dr Vaid said, “This is a compression-type injury. Passengers and crew members told us that the flight dipped suddenly. Some passengers had fastened their seat belts, while others had not. The crew members had fastened their seat belts. Still, I think it was a sudden dip in pressure that caused their bodies to hit the ceiling vertically.”