Air India A320neo Drops 300 Feet, 12 Hospitalized

This is a developing story. Information may change as official details are released.

Twelve people were hospitalized after an Air India (AI) Airbus A320neo experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop during cruise flight from Phuket to New Delhi on August 4, 2026.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation into the occurrence. According to a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Flight AI2379 encountered severe turbulence, prompting an immediate medical response upon its safe landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

In-flight occurrence and medical response

The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo registered as VT-EXO, was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, alongside eight crew members. During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced what the airline described as a momentary change in altitude. Preliminary reports from the DGCA indicate the aircraft lost approximately 300 feet of altitude during the turbulence event.

Following the aircraft’s safe arrival in New Delhi, medical teams evaluated the occupants. The MoCA confirmed that eight passengers and four cabin crew members required admission to local hospitals for further treatment.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that he directed authorities to provide medical updates on each patient every two hours, adding that he instructed the DGCA to “initiate a detailed investigation into the occurrence.” The MoCA further noted that passenger safety remains the highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken to support the injured.

Regulatory investigation

The DGCA immediately initiated a detailed investigation into the turbulence encounter. As part of the standard investigative protocol, authorities have secured the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to analyze the flight parameters and crew response during the altitude variation.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed the event, stating that Flight AI2379 encountered a “brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise” on August 4, which caused the altitude drop. The airline noted that the aircraft landed without further incident and all occupants safely disembarked before medical personnel intervened.

AirPro News analysis

While the official cause of the altitude variation remains under investigation by the DGCA, severe turbulence encounters during cruise highlight ongoing operational challenges for flight crews navigating complex weather systems. We note that securing the FDR and CVR is a routine but critical step that will allow investigators to determine the exact meteorological conditions and the aerodynamic performance of the Airbus A320neo during the 300-foot descent. The high ratio of cabin crew injuries relative to the total crew complement underscores the occupational risks flight attendants face during sudden in-flight disturbances.

Sources: Ministry of Civil Aviation