20 injured as Emirates jet hits severe turbulence over India

An Emirates Boeing 777 dropped suddenly in the air over India on Sunday morning.  A statement from the airline confirmed the incident and added that as a result 20 passengers sustained minor injuries.

The aircraft was operating as EK530 flying from Dubai to Kochi.  The incident occurred as the aircraft was preparing to begin its descent from 35,000ft in Indian airspace.  After landing safely in Kochi, the Captain requested medical assistance for the injured passengers.

There were 350 on board during the flight and the incident occurred at about 7am local time (0130 GMT). 

Indian media reports initially claimed that the aircraft had dropped 15,000ft, however the later statement from the airline said "it experienced a 200-foot descent in altitude".

The airline and the Indian Civil Aviation Authority have been asked to work with the United Arab Emirates' General Civil Aviation Authority in investigating the incident.

Source: People Daily