Air India Flight AI379 Hit by Severe Turbulence, Passengers Injured Mid-Air

Turbulence is one of the most common weather-related challenges faced during air travel. It occurs when an aircraft passes through unstable air currents, causing sudden movements, shaking, or unexpected changes in altitude.

While modern aircraft are designed to handle turbulence safely, severe turbulence can sometimes lead to injuries, especially when passengers or crew members are not secured with seat belts.

A similar incident occurred on an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, where passengers experienced a sudden turbulence event during the journey. The aircraft briefly lost altitude while cruising, causing panic inside the cabin and leaving several passengers and crew members injured.

Air India confirmed that flight AI379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, encountered a turbulence-related event during cruise. The Airbus A320neo was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members when the incident occurred.

According to the airline, the aircraft landed safely at Delhi Airport at 11:07 AM IST, and all passengers and crew members were able to disembark. However, 17 people, including 13 passengers and four crew members, suffered injuries and were taken for medical evaluation.

Passengers described the moment as frightening, with some reporting a sudden drop in altitude. One passenger said that he hit his head on the aircraft ceiling after the aircraft moved unexpectedly.

Air India stated that most injuries were minor and that its airport teams were assisting affected passengers. By the evening of August 4, five passengers had been discharged, while others continued receiving medical care.

The airline said it is supporting the injured passengers and crew members and is working closely with medical teams to ensure proper assistance. The incident highlights the importance of following cabin safety instructions, especially keeping seat belts fastened whenever seated, as turbulence can occur unexpectedly even during a smooth flight.