The turbulence that hit an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi lasted for around five minutes, during which the aircraft suddenly lost about 300 feet in altitude, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu
said. The incident left 17 people, including four cabin crew members, injured.
According to the minister, some crew members suffered spinal injuries near the tailbone and neck area. Doctors have advised them to rest, while the injured passengers were treated at hospitals and later discharged.
At a briefing on Wednesday, Naidu praised the cabin crew for their bravery, saying they continued to assist passengers throughout the remaining one-hour journey despite suffering injuries.
“The plane had to travel for one more hour and even through that hour, the crew members provided all the assistance required. It was very brave… I would like to thank them for the bravery they have shown,” he said.
All passengers discharged, 4 crew remain under treatment
Meanwhile, Air India said in a statement on Wednesday that all 13 passengers admitted to hospital following the incident had been discharged. “Four crew members remain under medical care and continue to receive treatment,” the airline added.
The airline also said its teams remain present at the hospitals and are in close contact with those affected.
The Air India A320 aircraft operating flight AI2379 was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it encountered severe mid-air turbulence. A total of 13 passengers and four crew members were admitted to hospital for treatment of their injuries on Tuesday.
The narrow-body A320neo aircraft from Phuket landed safely at Delhi airport at 11.07 am.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident to understand the circumstances that led to the sudden loss of altitude.
(With inputs from PTI)
