Kathmandu— On Tuesday, Air India Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden altitude variation mid-flight but safely landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Eight passengers and four crew members were hospitalized for medical evaluation after the incident, prompting Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu to visit Fortis Hospital along with senior officials to ensure all necessary assistance.

Incident Details

The Airbus A320 aircraft carrying 137 passengers and 8 crew members encountered a momentary altitude variation during the flight. Upon landing, medical teams provided immediate attention to all on board as a precautionary measure. The injured were admitted for further evaluation and treatment while the remaining passengers received necessary support.

A passenger recounted the ordeal, describing how his father was thrown into the air and hit the aircraft's roof, causing injuries to himself, his mother, and two-year-old daughter. He praised the flight crew for their assistance in calming passengers during the incident.

Ministerial Response

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu visited Fortis Hospital alongside Secretary of Civil Aviation Samir Kumar Sinha to inquire about the condition of injured passengers and assure them of all necessary support. Senior officers from the Ministry also coordinated with hospital authorities and Air India to ensure optimal medical care for those affected.

The aircraft has been moved to a hangar, and both the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been secured for detailed examination by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The DGCA has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA are closely monitoring the situation to ensure appropriate measures are taken.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.