Turbulence on Air India Flight Leaves 5 Flight Attendants Injured
Flight attendants on Air India Flight 922 from Riyadh to Mumbai suffered injuries on their heads, backs, and limbs due to turbulence, an incident that has raised concerns about the airline's adherence to safety protocols. According to the airline's cabin crew union, the Boeing 777-300 hit turbulence close to the final approach, catching flight attendants off guard. The incident has sparked controversy, with allegations that the commander failed to alert the crew to take their seats before landing.
Key Takeaways:
- 5 flight attendants suffered injuries on their heads, backs, and limbs due to turbulence on Air India Flight 922.
- The airline's standard operating procedure requires pilots to announce turbulence and warn the crew to take their seats before landing, which was allegedly not followed in this incident.
- An injured flight attendant's medical report showed that three cabin staffers, including two witnesses and the cabin crew in-charge, had signed the personal injury report, contradicting the airline's claim that only one crew member was injured.
- The incident was not reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as required by regulations, due to the airline's assessment that it was a "minor incident".
- A senior DGCA official stated that airlines cannot decide for themselves whether an incident is major or minor and that it is mandatory to inform the regulator in such cases.
- The incident has raised concerns about Air India's adherence to safety protocols and the airline's handling of the incident.
Statistics:
- 280 passengers were on board the flight (AI 922).
- 5 flight attendants suffered injuries due to turbulence.
- 3 cabin staffers, including two witnesses and the cabin crew in-charge, signed the personal injury report.
- 1 flight attendant's medical report showed injuries to the back, left elbow, right knee, right hand, and right ankle.
Sources:
- Hindustan Times, Copyright HT Media Ltd.