An Air India flight travelling from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence on Monday, briefly losing altitude and leaving at least 12 passengers with minor injuries. According to several reports, the aircraft dropped nearly 300 feet during the episode.
Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 showed that flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320, experienced a brief loss of altitude shortly before landing in Delhi.
In a statement, Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew safely disembarked after the aircraft landed. It added that those injured were taken to the airport's medical facility for 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.
Videos from inside the aircraft have since gone viral on social media, allegedly showing cracks in the cabin ceiling caused by the force of the turbulence.
Speaking to news agency ANI, a passenger claimed the aircraft experienced a sudden jolt around 90 minutes into the flight, while most travellers were asleep.
The passenger alleged that the plane suddenly dropped and shook violently for nearly two to three minutes, resulting in several injuries.
He further claimed that most passengers onboard were affected and said legal action would be taken against Air India over the incident.
The turbulence incident comes more than a year after an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar encountered intense hailstorm-related turbulence while approaching the Jammu and Kashmir capital, damaging the aircraft's nose cone during its landing attempt.
Videos from that flight had also gone viral, showing hailstones striking the aircraft as it shook violently, while terrified passengers screamed and prayed during the ordeal.
