The Air India Phuket-Delhi flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew
France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) is collaborating with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to establish the cause of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident, sources told businessline.Investigators are examining how multiple snags occurred momentarily during the flight.“There is no knowledge at present as to how so many snags occurred momentarily. For this reason, Airbus, BEA France are collaborating with AAIB to find out the cause,” sources said.Technical AssistanceWhen contacted, an Airbus spokesperson told businessline: “In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, Airbus is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities. We are actively supporting the airline and will provide further information as it becomes available. A team of specialists is being dispatched to assist with the investigation.”The development comes after Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft VT-EXO, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4 before stabilising and subsequently landing safely in Delhi.The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.Injuries were reported among passengers and cabin crew following the occurrence.Multiple SnagsThe Ministry of Civil Aviation has classified the occurrence as a ‘Serious Incident’, with the AAIB conducting the investigation.The investigation is expected to examine the technical and operational aspects of the occurrence, including the multiple momentary snags reported during the flight, to establish what caused the sudden altitude loss.In another development, the Ministry has said that both flight crew members underwent prescribed psychoactive-substance screening tests following the occurrence.The screening test of the pilot-in-command indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing, with samples sent to a designated laboratory and the final report awaited.Pending completion of the investigation and prescribed process, both pilots have been taken off the roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results, the Ministry has said.Published on August 10, 2026
