An Air India flight traveling from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi experienced severe turbulence on Tuesday, August 4, resulting in a sudden loss of altitude and injuries to 17 people aboard.
The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, was in mid-flight when the incident occurred. Following the event, the flight continued its journey and landed safely in Delhi. An airline spokesperson stated that thirteen passengers and four crew members were hospitalized for medical evaluation. As of Monday evening, five passengers had been discharged, while the remaining injured individuals continued to receive treatment.
Air India emphasized that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its foremost priority. The airline committed to supporting those affected and their families and to cooperating with authorities during the investigation.
Passengers recounted terrifying moments during the turbulence, with some being thrown into the aircraft's ceiling and aisles. One passenger's daughter described the event as traumatic, noting that her father's head hit the ceiling. Another passenger recalled seeing their sister thrown from her seat and their mother hit on the head, stating, "We thought we would die. It was really scary."
Travel industry expert Gary Leff described severe turbulence incidents as unusual but not rare. He noted that the chance of any injury occurring during turbulence is approximately one in 1.2 million departures. Leff advised passengers to always wear their seatbelts when seated on a plane, as flight attendants, who are often moving about the cabin, are more vulnerable to injury when not belted.
He added that even a loosely fastened seatbelt can provide protection during such events. Despite the frightening experience, Leff asserted that flying remains significantly safer than driving.