Air India A320 Loses 300 Feet Altitude During Phuket-Delhi Flight; Pilot Taken Off Roster Pending Test Results
Air India News
An Air India Airbus A320 operating a flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4, 2026, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The aircraft, bearing registration VT-EXO and operating Air India flight AI2379, subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi. The incident resulted in injuries to a few passengers and members of the cabin crew.
According to the ministry, the aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew members. Following the incident, standard operating procedures were initiated. Both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test.
The screening result of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have subsequently been sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, with the final result awaited. The ministry has not stated that the pilot tested positive for any prohibited substance. The confirmatory laboratory analysis and prescribed procedures will determine the next course of action.
The occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident and is currently under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Pending completion of the investigation and the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been removed from the roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Further action, if required, will be taken based on the findings of the investigation and the results of the confirmatory testing.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA said they remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures.
The incident occurred on August 4, 2026, while the aircraft was operating from Phuket to Delhi. The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued the update on August 9, 2026.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
