France Joins Probe Into Air India Flight’s Sudden 300-Foot Altitude Loss, Reported Technical Failures

The aircraft subsequently lost approximately 300 feet (91 metres) in altitude during cruise.

France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) is set to participate in the investigation into an Air India flight that suffered a sudden loss of altitude while flying from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India.

Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320neo with registration VT-EXO, reportedly experienced a series of technical abnormalities involving its hydraulic and flight-control systems during the flight on August 4, 2026.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is leading the investigation under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13, while the participation of the French agency could provide additional technical expertise, including potentially from Airbus specialists.

According to information published by FL360aero, which tracks aviation incidents, the aircraft departed Phuket at 6:56 a.m. local time and, approximately two and a half hours later, at about 9:32 a.m. Indian Standard Time, reportedly experienced a series of abnormalities involving its hydraulic and flight-control systems.