'We Thought We Would Die': Air India Passengers Recall Terrifying Mid-Air Turbulence Ordeal

Published 4 August 2026 · local

'We Thought We Would Die': Air India Passengers Recall Terrifying Mid-Air Turbulence Ordeal Published By, Last Updated: August 04, 2026, 17:11 IST A passenger said

'We Thought We Would Die': Air India Passengers Recall Terrifying Mid-Air Turbulence Ordeal Published By, Last Updated: August 04, 2026, 17:11 IST A passenger said that a young child was thrown several seats away from the person holding them during the turbulence. Viviana, whose mother sustained injuries, said passengers feared for their lives as the turbulence intensified. Passengers aboard the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi described scenes of panic and chaos after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, leaving several people injured and prompting emergency medical assistance upon landing. Many passengers said the sudden turbulence struck without warning, throwing people from their seats and causing luggage to fall from overhead compartments. One passenger recalled the terrifying moment, saying, “The flight was coming from Phuket and was scheduled to land around 8 am. Between 9:30 am and 10 am, the aircraft suddenly rolled sharply, and passengers were thrown around. Some people hit the ceiling and then fell to the floor multiple times. Luggage fell on passengers’ heads." The passenger also claimed that a young child was thrown several seats away from the person holding them during the turbulence.

“One baby, around one to one-and-a-half years old, was thrown about three seats away. After this experience, I will be scared to travel by flight again," the passenger said. At least 15 people, including four crew members and 11 passengers, were injured when Air India flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi was hit by intense turbulence. The aircraft suddenly rolled and plunged nearly 300 feet within seconds after encountering an unexpected atmospheric disturbance, leaving passengers shaken and several requiring medical attention. Another traveller described a sudden loss of altitude, saying passengers seated in the cabin were violently jolted. “The plane suddenly went very low, due to which passengers hit their heads on the overhead area," the passenger said. Several passengers said they were asleep when the incident occurred. “It had been nearly an hour and a half since take-off. It was early morning and many of us were sleeping. Suddenly, the aircraft felt as if it stopped and then began moving violently. This continued for two to three minutes," another passenger said. According to the passenger, between 15 and 20 people suffered visible injuries during the turbulence.

“There were more than 100 people on board. Many passengers were hurt. We will definitely take action against Air India," the passenger added. Among those affected was an Italian family travelling on the flight. Viviana, whose mother sustained injuries, said passengers feared for their lives as the turbulence intensified. “The aircraft seemed to be moving normally, but suddenly the turbulence began. I saw my sister thrown into the air from her seat. My mother hit her head, and my phone flew away. People sitting behind us were injured, and one passenger had blood on his face," she said. “We thought we were going to die. It was really scary. I was shaking and crying. It was horrible. Even now, I cannot hear properly," she added. #WATCH | Delhi: Viviana, daughter of the injured passenger being moved into an ambulance, says, “I am from Italy. The aircraft seemed to be moving normally but suddenly the turbulence began. I saw my sister thrown up into the air from her seat. My mother was knocked on her head.… pic.twitter.com/OlcFx2cII6— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2026 The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, where injured passengers were provided medical assistance.