Air India Phuket- Delhi flight faced turbulence for four-five minutes: Naidu
Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: Naidu Confirms Four to Five Minutes of Disturbance
Bharatmorningnews.com – Severe turbulence struck an Air India Phuket Delhi flight on Tuesday, affecting passengers and crew members during the journey from Thailand’s popular tourist destination to India’s capital. Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the disturbance lasted approximately four to five minutes, causing injuries to seventeen individuals aboard the aircraft. The incident occurred while the Airbus A320neo was en route to Delhi, prompting immediate medical response upon landing.
Minister’s Statement on Turbulence Duration
Yesterday when I met them in the hospital, I tried to interact with them and ask them. So they all kind of remember that there was turbulence which was observed in the flight for some time…probably for four to five minutes. And it is during that time that they faced a certain difficulty inside the plane.
According to Naidu, both passengers and crew members recalled the sudden disturbance that shook the aircraft mid-flight. The minister emphasized that the turbulence was noticeable and lasted long enough for everyone on board to experience discomfort. This timeframe aligns with initial reports from the flight, which indicated that the aircraft encountered unexpected weather conditions during its descent toward Delhi.
Medical Response and Passenger Recovery
The aftermath of the turbulence incident saw extensive medical attention provided to those affected. Naidu noted that several crew members sustained spinal injuries, particularly in the tailbone and neck regions. Medical professionals are maintaining continuous monitoring of these individuals and have recommended periods of rest alongside ongoing surveillance. The minister confirmed that appropriate support is being extended to the affected crew members at the hospital in accordance with medical advice.
An Air India representative provided an update on the passenger situation, stating that thirteen injured travelers have been released from medical facilities. The spokesperson noted that as of 15:30 hours on August 5, all thirteen passengers who were hospitalized following the incident involving flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 have been discharged. Meanwhile, four crew members continue to receive treatment and remain under medical supervision.
The airline’s teams have been deployed to hospitals to maintain close communication with those impacted, ensuring comprehensive assistance is provided throughout their recovery. Passengers who were treated at Medanta Hospital and Fortis Hospital have been informed about the next steps for their medical care and compensation claims.
Investigation and Aircraft Status
The Airbus A320neo aircraft was transporting 137 passengers and eight crew members at the time of the incident. According to Naidu, the airport’s medical assistance team responded immediately upon the flight’s arrival in Delhi. Initial first aid and medical support were administered at the airport itself. However, certain passengers and crew members required additional medical attention and were subsequently transported to Medanta Hospital and Fortis Hospital.
Four crew members were admitted to Fortis, where I personally visited along with ministry and DGCA teams. We interacted with the crew members…they have been very brave even after that incident that happened for five minutes mid-air and they were proven to have certain injuries…This plane had to travel for one more hour. From that time and even through that hour the crew members provided all the assistance that was required.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated an investigation to ascertain the underlying cause of the turbulence incident. Naidu explained that the aircraft was moved to a separate hangar immediately after landing. Both the data recorder and voice recorder are currently in DGCA custody.
The plane, the moment it landed, was taken to a separate hangar. The data recorder, the voice recorder, is in the possession of DGCA. They will thoroughly investigate how and why this incident happened. And only when we have the facts in front of us, will we be able to make it public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the turbulence on the Air India Phuket Delhi flight? The exact cause is under investigation by the DGCA. The aircraft encountered unexpected weather conditions that resulted in severe turbulence lasting four to five minutes.
How many people were injured on the flight? A total of seventeen individuals sustained injuries—thirteen passengers and four crew members. All thirteen passengers have been discharged from hospitals as of August 5.
Where are the injured crew members being treated? Four crew members were admitted to Fortis Hospital, where they continue to receive medical attention for spinal injuries in the tailbone and neck regions.
Is the flight AI2379 operating normally now? The aircraft was moved to a separate hangar for inspection. The DGCA is reviewing data from both recorders before confirming the flight’s operational status.
What should passengers do if they were on the affected flight? Passengers who experienced injuries should contact Air India’s customer service for medical claim assistance. The airline has deployed teams to hospitals to help with documentation and support.