Air India Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden in-cruise descent of about 300 feet on Aug. 4 after encountering turbulence. The Airbus A320neo landed safely in Delhi; 13 passengers and four crew members were taken to hospital, and all passengers have since been discharged. Indian authorities and the aircraft manufacturer have been notified, and an investigation is underway. The airline says it is supporting those affected and cooperating with officials.
Air India Flight AI2379 Drops About 300 Feet After Turbulence; 17 Hospitalized, Investigation Launched
FILE PHOTO: An Air India Airbus A350 aeroplane is displayed at Wings India 2024 aviation at Begumpet airport, Hyderabad, India, January 18, 2024. REUTERS/Almaas Masood/File Photo
Air India confirmed that Flight AI2379 experienced a sudden loss of altitude of roughly 300 feet while cruising from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi on Aug. 4. The Airbus A320neo was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when the aircraft briefly encountered turbulence that led to the abrupt descent.
The flight continued and landed safely in Delhi. After touchdown, 13 passengers and four crew members were taken to local hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment. In an Aug. 5 update posted on X (formerly Twitter), Air India said all 13 passengers had been discharged, while the affected crew members remained under medical care.
Airline Response and Support
Air India said its teams remained at hospitals and stayed in close contact with those affected and their families. The carrier emphasized that passenger and crew safety is its top priority and pledged to support those impacted during the ongoing process.
“Air India’s foremost priority remains the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew,” the airline said, according to local reporting.
Investigation Underway
Indian aviation authorities were notified and have opened an investigation in line with regulatory procedures. The aircraft manufacturer has also been informed. Officials are examining flight data and crew reports to determine the cause and circumstances of the sudden altitude change.
Context
While midair altitude changes from turbulence are relatively uncommon, recent months have seen several high-profile in-flight incidents. In May 2024, a Singapore Airlines flight en route from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence that resulted in one death and dozens of injuries; that flight diverted to Bangkok. In June 2024, a Korean Air flight experienced a dramatic loss of cabin pressure and a very large altitude change that left multiple passengers with ear pain and breathing difficulties.
Air India and investigators have not indicated any evidence of mechanical failure publicly. Updates will likely follow as authorities complete their review of flight data and crew accounts.
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