AI2379 Classified as Serious Incident; DGCA Removes Both Flight Crew Members from Roster Pending Investigation

Key Highlights

• Air India A320 flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet on August 4.
• The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members.
• A few passengers and cabin crew members reportedly sustained injuries.
• The aircraft stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
• AAIB is investigating the occurrence.
• Both pilots have been taken off the roster by DGCA pending the investigation and prescribed testing process.
• The Pilot-in-Command’s initial psychoactive substance screening indicated a result requiring confirmatory laboratory testing; the final report is awaited.

An Air India A320 operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4, 2026, resulting in injuries to a few passengers and cabin crew members.

The aircraft, registered as VT-EXO, subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi. The incident has been classified as a Serious Incident and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

145 People Were On Board

The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

Following the sudden altitude loss, injuries were reported among some passengers and members of the cabin crew.

Pilots Taken Off Roster Pending Investigation

As required under standard operating procedures, both flight crew members underwent prescribed psychoactive substance screening following the occurrence.

The initial screening of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. The relevant samples have been sent to a designated laboratory, with the final report awaited.

Pending completion of the investigation and the prescribed process, the DGCA has taken both flight crew members off the roster.

Further regulatory action, if required, will depend on the findings of the AAIB investigation and the confirmatory test results.

AAIB Investigation Underway

The incident is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which will examine the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of altitude and the subsequent injuries.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA have reiterated their commitment to maintaining aviation safety standards and ensuring that such occurrences are investigated in accordance with established regulations and procedures.

Impact on Travel and Hospitality Industry

The incident comes at a time when India’s international leisure and tourism traffic is expanding, with destinations such as Phuket forming important links in the India-Southeast Asia travel market.

For travellers, the incident highlights the importance of aviation safety protocols, crew fitness monitoring and post-incident investigation in maintaining confidence in international air travel.

For the hospitality and tourism industry, aviation safety is closely linked to destination demand. Phuket-Delhi services connect two major tourism markets, and maintaining passenger confidence in the safety and reliability of air services is important for hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agencies and destination-management businesses on both sides.

The outcome of the AAIB investigation and confirmatory testing will therefore be closely watched by the aviation and travel sectors.