Air India turbulence: Most passengers discharged, investigation ongoing

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has provided an update on the severe air turbulence that affected an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. He assured the public that the situation is being managed with urgency and care, noting that the majority of injured passengers were treated and released shortly after landing.

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The turbulence incident that happened, most of the passengers in the first few hours only, were discharged from the hospital.

"Most of the passengers in the first few hours only, were discharged from the hospital," Naidu stated. "Around 24 passengers were facing some kind of medical inconvenience. So they were taken to the hospital; thorough check-ups have been done for them, and most of them have been discharged." However, four crew members are still hospitalized and under continuous medical observation.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is actively investigating the cause of the mid-air incident. "As far as how the incident happened, the DGCA is investigating it, and we still have to know the final report on that. So we are waiting for that," the Minister explained.

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4 crew members are still there, and we are continuously watching their medical condition and the hospitals. Air India: Everyone is providing full support.

Minister Naidu also highlighted the government's proactive approach to aviation safety and regulatory reforms. He emphasized that India is not waiting for Western guidelines but is developing its own standards based on technological innovation and industry needs. "We are moving ahead at our own pace and looking at how the innovation is happening in India. So I feel the timelines are going to be reduced for us," he said.

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As far as how the incident happened, the DGCA is investigating it, and we still have to know the final report on that. So we are waiting for that.

Meanwhile, a passenger filed a complaint with the DGCA alleging a sudden drop in the aircraft and injuries sustained by two elderly family members. The complaint detailed that the flight experienced a sudden drop during its journey from Phuket to Delhi on August 4.

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We are moving ahead at our own pace and looking at how the innovation is happening in India. So I feel the timelines are going to be reduced for us.