TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 4 AUGUST 2026
An Air India Airbus A320neo aircraft carrying 145 people from Phuket to Delhi suffered a sudden, mid-air altitude variation on Tuesday, triggering a federal safety probe. The incident left eight passengers and four cabin crew members hospitalised after the flight encountered severe unexpected turbulence during its cruise phase.
Sudden 300-Foot Drop Mid-Air:
Flight AI2379, operating from Phuket, Thailand, with 137 passengers (including three infants) and eight crew members, was cruising normally before experiencing what officials called a “momentary altitude variation.” Reports indicate the aircraft dropped roughly 300 feet in seconds, causing panic and minor injuries inside the cabin. The flight crew successfully stabilised the Airbus A320 (Registration: VT-EXO) and executed a safe landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport around 11:00 AM.
Emergency Medical Response upon Arrival:
Airport emergency and medical teams immediately swarmed the tarmac to evaluate everyone on board upon landing. While a majority of the passengers received basic assistance at the airport, 12 individuals required advanced treatment.
- Hospital Admissions: Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were rushed to premium facilities, including Fortis Hospital, Medanta Hospital, and the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
- Current Status: Hospital sources and airline representatives confirmed that all admitted individuals are currently stable and undergoing detailed medical evaluation.
Top Ministry Officials Visit Injured:
The gravity of the mid-air scare prompted a high-level government response. Union Minister of Civil Aviation personally visited Fortis Hospital to check on the injured. He was accompanied by the Secretary of Civil Aviation and the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Senior ministry officers are actively coordinating with Medanta and Fortis authorities to ensure the highest standard of medical care.
Black Boxes Secured for DGCA Probe:
The aircraft has been grounded and towed to a terminal hangar for comprehensive inspection. The DGCA has formally launched a detailed investigation into the flight anomaly. Investigators have already secured the plane’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). These “black boxes” will be closely analyzed to isolate whether the altitude plunge was caused entirely by severe clear-air turbulence or compounded by any technical or automated system errors.
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