DGCA Summons Air India Over Turbulence That İnjured Passengers

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday summoned Air India's management over the severe turbulence and sudden altitude loss on a Phuket-Delhi flight that injured passengers and crew. The regulator has intensified its investigation into the August 4 incident involving Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo carrying 137 passengers and 8 crew members. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the DGCA has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation, with the aircraft moved to a separate hangar and flight data and cockpit voice recorders in the regulator's possession.

The aircraft encountered severe turbulence for four to five minutes during cruise but landed safely in Delhi. Thirteen passengers admitted to the hospital were discharged as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, while four crew members with spinal injuries, including near the tailbone and neck, remain under medical supervision. Naidu praised the cabin crew for continuing to assist passengers despite their injuries, and said findings will be made public only after the investigation establishes the facts.

Air India officials were summoned today. They gave the status of passengers who were injured, Naidu said.