An Air India flight traveling from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, causing minor injuries to several people on board [1, 2, 3].
The incident highlights the ongoing risks of unexpected atmospheric disturbances during cruise altitudes, which can cause sudden aircraft instability and passenger injuries even in modern jets.
The aircraft, identified as flight AI379 [1] or AI2379 [3], was carrying 134 passengers [1]. While cruising, the plane experienced a sudden change in altitude, with reports indicating the aircraft dropped 300 feet [2].
Reports on the number of casualties vary between sources. One report said 12 people were injured, including two crew members [1]. Another report said that 14 passengers and crew sustained injuries [3]. All reported injuries were classified as minor.
The flight continued its journey and landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi [1, 2]. Those injured received medical attention following the landing.
Air turbulence is caused by unexpected atmospheric shifts during a flight's cruise [5]. In this instance, the sudden drop in altitude led to the injuries among the passengers and crew members.
“The aircraft, identified as flight AI379 or AI2379, was carrying 134 passengers.”
This event underscores the unpredictability of clear-air turbulence, which often occurs without warning on radar. The variation in reported injury counts and flight numbers suggests initial confusion during the immediate aftermath of the incident, though the safe landing and minor nature of the injuries indicate the crew maintained operational control of the aircraft.
