Topic overview
In brief
- An Air India flight experienced severe turbulence, injuring at least 12 passengers.
- The turbulence occurred 90 minutes after takeoff from Phuket, Thailand, causing unrestrained passengers to hit their heads.
- The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and while no serious injuries were reported, one individual may have a spinal fracture.
Summary
An Air India flight experienced severe turbulence approximately 90 minutes after departing from Phuket, Thailand, en route to Delhi, India. Reports indicate that at least 12 individuals sustained injuries when the aircraft encountered a sudden drop in altitude, causing unrestrained passengers to hit their heads against the cabin ceiling. The Airbus A320 landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where emergency services were on standby to assist the injured. While airline officials stated that no serious injuries have been reported, one individual is believed to have suffered a spinal fracture. The report has limited confirmation from reliable sources, and further details regarding the incident are still emerging.
The turbulence reportedly lasted for two to three minutes, during which many passengers were asleep. A spokesperson for Air India emphasized the airline's commitment to passenger safety and indicated that they would cooperate fully with authorities during the investigation. This incident follows a tragic crash involving an Air India plane last June, which resulted in the deaths of 260 people. The previous crash raised concerns about safety protocols and operational procedures within the airline, making the recent turbulence incident particularly alarming for passengers and observers alike.