- By Nidhi Giri
- Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:35 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Phuket Delhi Air India Flight Turbulence: The Air India flight from Phuket and Delhi suffered severe turbulence for almost five minutes, injuring 17 people including passengers and crew members, informed Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. The minister added that the flight recorder is being anaylsed to identify what exactly happened mid-air.
During the incident, the aircraft descended at a rate of 1,600 feet per minute, meaning it was losing nearly eight metres of altitude every second which is roughly equivalent to the height of a two-and-a-half-storey building. In just 30 seconds, the aircraft lost around 425 feet of altitude, sparking panic inside the cabin.
The airline confirmed that flight AI2379 encountered a brief weather-related event during cruise but managed to recover quickly.
While visiting the injured at the hopsital, the Ram Mohan Naidu said, "Passengers recalled turbulence lasting for about four to five minutes. It was during that period that they faced the injuries and difficulties inside the aircraft".
"A couple of crew members have spinal injuries near the tailbone and neck. They remain under medical supervision and are being provided all necessary support as advised by doctors," he added.
DGCA Initiates Investigation
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated on Tuesday evening that the DGCA has initiated a detailed investigation into the occurrence. It added that the situation is being closely monitored, further stating that passenger safety remains the highest priority.
Air India Names New CEO, MD
Air India on Wednesday announced the appointment of former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief Tewolde Gebremariam as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He will replace Campbell Wilson, who announced his resignation in April this year.
In a release, Air India said it rigorously evaluated internal as well as highly accomplished external candidates from across the world before deciding on Gebremariam.