An Air India flight operating between Phuket, Thailand and New Delhi experienced sudden and severe turbulence whilst at cruise altitude on 4 August, resulting in injuries to seventeen passengers. The disturbance sent occupants into the cabin ceiling and across the aisles, with some passengers describing the ordeal in stark, frightened terms reflecting the intensity of the encounter.

Aviation safety experts have noted that turbulence of this severity remains a relatively rare occurrence in commercial aviation. The incident highlights the critical importance of passenger compliance with seatbelt requirements throughout flight operations, as proper restraint can substantially mitigate injury risk during unexpected atmospheric disturbances. Standard investigative procedures would typically examine the meteorological conditions that precipitated the sudden altitude loss.