At least 17 people, including passengers and cabin crew, were injured after an Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, causing the aircraft to briefly lose around 300 feet in altitude. The plane landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where medical teams were deployed to assist those on board, with several injured passengers shifted to hospital for treatment.
Survivors described the experience as “a rebirth”, recalling moments of panic as people were thrown from their seats and luggage scattered across the cabin. Air India said the aircraft experienced a brief period of severe turbulence and that its crew followed all standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the sudden turbulence.
‘It Was a Rebirth for All of Us’
The frightening incident unfolded when Air India flight AI379 was cruising towards Delhi after departing from Phuket. According to passengers, the aircraft suddenly encountered intense turbulence without much warning, causing a sharp drop in altitude that lasted only a few seconds but felt much longer to those onboard. The violent shaking reportedly threw passengers who were not wearing seat belts into the air, while meal trays, cabin baggage and personal belongings were flung across the cabin. Several overhead compartments opened during the turbulence, adding to the chaos.
Passengers recounted hearing screams as the aircraft lurched violently, with many believing they might not survive. “It was a rebirth for all of us,” one passenger shared, describing the terrifying experience after landing safely in Delhi. Another traveller said the cabin crew acted swiftly despite sustaining injuries themselves, helping reassure passengers while checking on those who required immediate medical attention.
Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, emergency medical teams were already stationed on the tarmac. At least 17 people were reported injured, including members of the cabin crew, with some suffering head injuries and requiring hospital treatment.
In a statement, Air India confirmed that the flight had encountered “a brief period of severe turbulence” that resulted in a temporary loss of altitude. The airline said its pilots and cabin crew followed all prescribed safety procedures, safely landed the aircraft and ensured injured passengers received prompt medical assistance. Air India also reiterated that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
Air India has shared an update stating that all 13 passengers who were admitted to hospital after Flight AI2379 encountered severe turbulence on August 4 have now been discharged. However, four crew members remain hospitalised and continue to receive medical treatment. The airline said its teams are still present at the hospitals, providing assistance and staying in close contact with those affected.
The Airbus A320neo was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members at the time of the incident, and Air India reiterated that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority as it continues to cooperate with authorities investigating the incident.
Update on AI2379 – 4 August – 18:50 hrs
— Air India Newsroom (@AirIndia_News) August 4, 2026
Earlier today, 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…
DGCA Launches Probe
Following the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched an investigation to examine the cause of the turbulence and assess whether all operational procedures were followed. Aviation officials are expected to analyse weather conditions along the flight path, flight data recordings and cockpit communications to understand the sequence of events. While severe turbulence can occasionally occur even when weather conditions appear normal, investigators will seek to establish whether any additional safety measures could have mitigated the impact on passengers.
The incident has also renewed attention on the risks posed by clear-air turbulence, a phenomenon that is difficult to detect using conventional weather radar because it often occurs in cloud-free skies. Aviation experts have repeatedly advised passengers to keep their seat belts securely fastened whenever they are seated, even if the seat belt sign has been switched off, as sudden turbulence can occur without warning. According to aviation safety specialists, injuries during turbulence are most commonly sustained by passengers or crew members who are standing or moving around the cabin when unexpected air disturbances strike.
Although turbulence-related incidents rarely compromise an aircraft’s structural integrity, they remain one of the leading causes of in-flight injuries worldwide. Airlines routinely train pilots and cabin crew to respond to such situations through standard emergency procedures, including suspending cabin service, securing equipment and assisting passengers once conditions stabilise. The safe landing of the aircraft in Delhi highlighted the importance of these protocols and the coordinated response by the flight crew and emergency services.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While the incident ended without any loss of life, the emotional trauma experienced by passengers is a powerful reminder of how quickly ordinary journeys can turn into life-altering experiences. Moments like these also highlight the professionalism of pilots, cabin crew and emergency responders who remain calm under immense pressure to protect lives. As aviation authorities investigate the incident, transparency in sharing findings and implementing any necessary safety improvements will be essential to maintaining public trust in air travel.
At the same time, travellers also have a role to play by following safety instructions, wearing seat belts whenever seated and cooperating with cabin crew during emergencies. Small precautions can make a significant difference when unexpected situations arise.
As climate experts continue to study whether changing atmospheric conditions could contribute to more frequent or intense turbulence in the future, strengthening preparedness across the aviation sector becomes increasingly important. How can airlines, regulators and passengers work together to make air travel even safer while ensuring that people remain informed—not fearful—about unexpected mid-air events?
