Flight's 'Sudden Loss of Altitude' Injures 17 People

Image: Air India Airbus A320 aircraft. (Photo Credit: Adobe/rahul)
Image: Air India Airbus A320 aircraft. (Photo Credit: Adobe/rahul)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 9:20 AM ET, Fri August 7, 2026

At least 17 people were injured when severe turbulence caused an Air India flight to drop 300 feet during a flight from Thailand to India on Tuesday.

The airline confirmed that the Airbus A320neo aircraft "experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise," resulting in injuries to four crew members and 13 passengers, requiring hospitalization.

All 13 passengers have since been released from the hospital, the airline said.

"In accordance with established safety and regulatory procedures, the relevant regulatory authorities have been informed. Air India is fully cooperating with the investigation, and the aircraft manufacturer has also been notified," an Air India spokesman said. 

"Air India’s foremost priority remains the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew. We will continue to support those affected and their families and will work closely with the relevant authorities throughout the course of the investigation."

The flight originated in Phuket and continued despite the incident, landing safely in Delhi. 


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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