Delhi-Sydney Flight:
In a recent incident on Air India’s flight AI302 on May 16, 2023, passengers experienced a bout of severe turbulence mid-air during its journey from Delhi to Sydney. The turbulence caused discomfort and led to minor injuries for several passengers. However, thanks to the swift response and professionalism of the Air India cabin crew, the situation was handled effectively, ensuring the safe landing of the aircraft in Sydney.
Upon arrival at Sydney airport, medical assistance was provided to the injured passengers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sources reported that seven passengers suffered minor sprains as a result of the turbulence. The Air India cabin crew promptly administered first aid to the injured individuals, receiving support from a doctor and nurse who happened to be traveling on the flight. Thankfully, none of the passengers required hospitalization, and all injuries were addressed with immediate medical attention.
Air India spokesperson, in a statement, confirmed the incident and assured that standard procedures were followed. The spokesperson mentioned that three passengers availed of medical assistance on arrival, and their conditions were stable. Furthermore, the incident has been reported to the relevant authorities for further investigation and review.
Mumbai-Durgapur SpiceJet Flight:
In a similar incident last year, a SpiceJet flight traveling from Mumbai to Durgapur faced severe turbulence during its descent. The turbulence resulted in injuries to 12 passengers on board. Regrettably, one of the injured passengers, Akbar Ansari, aged 48, succumbed to his injuries several months later in September 2022, after being on ventilator support for a month.
According to a PTI report, Mr. Ansari’s health deteriorated due to the injuries sustained during the turbulence. His passing serves as a reminder of the potential seriousness of such incidents and highlights the importance of ensuring passenger safety during flights.
Both incidents underscore the significance of maintaining the highest standards of safety and preparedness within the aviation industry. Airlines continue to prioritize passenger well-being and employ comprehensive measures to prevent and manage turbulence-related incidents. These measures include training cabin crew to handle emergencies effectively and equipping them with the necessary skills to provide immediate medical assistance.
The Civil Aviation Authorities and concerned airlines have been cooperating in investigations to determine the causes of these incidents and to implement any required improvements or measures to enhance passenger safety.
Passengers are advised to follow safety instructions provided by cabin crew, keep their seatbelts fastened whenever seated, and heed any warnings or guidelines issued during the flight.
As air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, incidents like these remind us of the need for continuous vigilance and preparedness to ensure the well-being of all passengers on board.
