Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced tense moments on Tuesday after the aircraft suddenly dropped nearly 300 feet during severe mid-air turbulence, leaving at least 12 people with minor injuries.

Flight AI2379 encountered a brief turbulence-related event while cruising, resulting in a momentary change in altitude before the pilots regained control of the aircraft. Despite the scare, the flight landed safely at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, where emergency teams were already on standby.

According to Air India, the injured included both passengers and cabin crew. Those requiring medical attention were shifted to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination, while the remaining passengers disembarked safely. No serious injuries have been reported.

In an official statement, the airline said:

"Air India confirms that flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on 4 August, experienced a brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew have safely disembarked. There have been no serious injuries as of now."

Visuals from Delhi airport showed several passengers being assisted in wheelchairs and taken to ambulances for medical evaluation after the aircraft landed.

Air India said the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority and confirmed it is extending all necessary assistance to those affected. The airline also said it is cooperating with the relevant authorities as the incident is investigated.

The incident once again highlights the unpredictable nature of severe turbulence and the importance of passengers keeping their seat belts fastened whenever seated, even during seemingly smooth flights. Aviation experts have long maintained that unexpected turbulence can occur without warning, especially during cruise.