Air India turbulence: DGCA orders thorough probe; crew praised for courage

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a thorough investigation into the severe turbulence experienced by an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi on Tuesday, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Wednesday.

The minister told the media that the Airbus A320neo, operating as flight AI2379, encountered turbulence lasting “four to five minutes” during cruise, causing a sudden loss of around 300 feet in altitude. The incident left 13 passengers and four cabin crew members injured, with some crew members suffering spinal and neck injuries.

Speaking after reviewing the situation, Naidu said the aircraft was secured in a separate hangar immediately after landing at Delhi airport, and crucial evidence, including the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, has been handed over to the DGCA.

“The moment the plane landed, it was put in a separate hangar. The data recorder, the voice recorder, everything is in the possession of DGCA. They will thoroughly investigate how and why this incident happened. Only when we have the facts in front of us, we are going to make it public,” Naidu said.

The minister also confirmed that medical teams attended to passengers and crew immediately after the flight landed. “All first aid and medical assistance that needed to be provided was done at the airport itself. There were some passengers and crew members who were observed to need more medical assistance, they were shifted to Medanta Hospital and also Fortis Hospital,” he said.

According to Naidu, seven passengers admitted to Medanta Hospital on Monday were discharged after medical examinations. Two passengers admitted to Fortis Hospital were also discharged. However, four cabin crew members remained admitted at Fortis Hospital, where the minister, along with ministry and DGCA officials, visited them.

“They have been very brave. Even after that incident, which lasted for five minutes, and they were prone to certain injuries, the plane had to travel for one more hour. Even through that hour, the crew members provided all the assistance that was required. So, it was very brave of the women, the crew members who were on the flight,” Naidu said.

The flight, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, landed safely in Delhi at 11:07 hours IST on Tuesday. Air India issued a statement describing the event as a “sudden loss of altitude during cruise” and said that after the momentary event, the aircraft continued normally and landed safely.

As of Tuesday evening, the airline said five passengers had been discharged, while the remaining injured were receiving continued treatment and care. The DGCA’s investigation is expected to determine the precise cause of the severe midair turbulence.