Just days after the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 275 lives, another alarming incident unfolded mid-air — this time on Air India flight AI-407 from Delhi to Patna. On Tuesday, 171 passengers onboard experienced a moment of sheer panic as the aircraft was jolted by sudden turbulence, causing luggage to fall from overhead compartments and leaving several passengers shaken.
According to initial reports, the flight encountered unexpected turbulence while cruising, leading to a sudden and violent jolt. The impact caused bags kept on the seats and in overhead bins to fall, sparking fear and confusion among passengers. At the time of the turbulence, many passengers were having breakfast, resulting in hot food being spilled and minor injuries to some travelers.
The turbulence reportedly occurred due to abrupt changes in air pressure and wind patterns — a common cause of such inflight disturbances. The cabin crew acted swiftly to calm passengers and ensure safety. The flight continued without further incident and landed safely at Patna Airport, where passengers expressed relief and gratitude towards the pilots and crew for their professionalism and timely response.
A few passengers and crew members sustained minor injuries and were provided immediate medical attention upon landing. Air India has confirmed the incident and assured that an internal investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the turbulence and assess safety protocols.
This incident has once again sparked debate over inflight safety and aircraft preparedness, especially in light of the devastating crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. In that tragedy, 275 people lost their lives — 241 passengers onboard and 34 civilians on the ground — marking one of the worst air disasters in recent Indian aviation history. As air travel continues to grow rapidly in India, aviation experts are calling for stricter safety checks and enhanced turbulence forecasting systems to avoid such mid-air scares in the future.