Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu today visited Fortis Hospital in Delhi to meet passengers who sustained injuries during a recent Air India flight incident. The minister assured all necessary assistance to those affected by the severe turbulence encountered on Air India Flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi.
Accompanying the minister were the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Senior ministry officials also extended their visits to Medanta Hospital, coordinating closely with hospital authorities and Air India to ensure comprehensive medical care and support for all injured individuals.
Turbulence Incident Details
The incident occurred when Air India Flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 aircraft (VT-EXO) carrying 137 passengers (including three infants) and eight crew members (two pilots, six cabin crew), experienced a brief but intense turbulence-related altitude variation during its cruise phase. Despite the unsettling event, the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
Immediately upon landing, medical teams assessed all passengers and crew. While most were cleared, eight passengers and four cabin crew members required hospital admission for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, all 12 individuals are in stable condition and are receiving appropriate medical attention.
DGCA Launches Investigation
In response to the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a detailed investigation. The aircraft involved has been moved to a hangar, and critical flight data recorders (FDR) and cockpit voice recorders (CVR) have been secured for thorough examination. The Ministry of Civil Aviation reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, stating it is closely monitoring the situation.
Air India confirmed the “brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise” and stated that there were no reports of serious injuries. The airline affirmed its full cooperation with authorities as part of the ongoing investigation, providing all necessary support to those impacted.