Air India turbulence lasted 5 minutes, crew suffered spinal injuries: Minister
The mid-air turbulence that hit an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on Tuesday lasted nearly five minutes, leaving some crew members with spinal
The mid-air turbulence that hit an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on Tuesday lasted nearly five minutes, leaving some crew members with spinal and neck injuries, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said as he shared fresh details about the incident. The Airbus A320neo, operating as flight AI2379, experienced a sudden loss of around 300 feet in altitude while cruising on Tuesday. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, continued its journey and landed safely at Delhi airport at 11.07 am. Read Full Story Speaking at a briefing in New Delhi, Naidu said the turbulence lasted around four to five minutes and praised the cabin crew for continuing to assist passengers despite suffering injuries themselves.
"The plane had to travel for one more hour and even through that hour, the crew members provided all the assistance required. It was very brave... I would like to thank them for the bravery they have shown," Naidu said. When asked about the extent of the injuries, the minister said a couple of crew members suffered spinal injuries, including injuries near the tailbone and neck, and had been advised rest by doctors. A total of 13 passengers and four cabin crew members were taken to hospital following the incident. Air India said on Wednesday that all 13 passengers had since been discharged, while the four crew members remained under medical care. "As of Wednesday evening, all 13 passengers who were admitted to hospital following the incident involving Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 have been discharged.
Four crew members remain under medical care and continue to receive treatment," the airline said in a statement. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident, with the aircraft's Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder secured for detailed examination. According to a senior DGCA official, the pilot reported a severe injury to one cabin crew member, an injury to another and minor injuries to some passengers following the sudden loss of altitude. "Air India A320 aircraft VT-EXO operating flight AI2379 (Phuket-Delhi) experienced loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude during the flight," the official said. Air India had earlier said the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise but continued to operate normally after the "momentary event" and landed safely in Delhi.
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