New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday said the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence for about four to five minutes, leaving several crew members with spinal and neck injuries.
The flight experienced sudden turbulence on Tuesday, causing the aircraft to abruptly lose around 300 feet in altitude. At least 17 people, including four cabin crew members, were injured in the incident.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident.
Speaking at a media briefing in the national capital, Naidu said the aircraft had to endure turbulence for nearly five minutes. He praised the cabin crew for continuing to assist passengers despite the injuries.
“The aircraft still had about an hour of flying left, and throughout that period the crew members provided all the necessary assistance. It was an act of great courage, and I thank them for their dedication,” the minister said.
Responding to a question on the injuries, Naidu said some crew members suffered injuries to the lower spine and neck, and doctors had advised them to take rest.
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. Following the incident, 13 passengers and four crew members were admitted to hospital.
Delhi Airport later said that, as of 3:30 pm on August 5, all 13 injured passengers had been discharged from hospital. However, the four crew members remain under medical observation and continue to receive treatment.
