20 Passengers and Four Cabin Crew Reported Injured; France’s BEA and Airbus to Provide Technical Assistance

Key Highlights

• Air India flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced an altitude variation of approximately 300 feet on August 4.
• 20 passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries, according to the latest government update.
• The Airbus A320, registration VT-EXO, landed safely in Delhi.
• AAIB has formally taken up the investigation under applicable Indian and ICAO protocols.
• France’s BEA and technical representatives from Airbus are assisting the investigation.
• AAIB is examining flight data, aircraft systems, operational and maintenance records, medical information and human factors.
• The investigation will focus on determining the circumstances and contributing factors and identifying measures to prevent recurrence.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun a detailed investigation into the Air India Airbus A320 operating flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi, which experienced a sudden altitude variation of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4, 2026.

The aircraft, registered VT-EXO, subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi. The latest government update states that 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were injured during the occurrence.

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

AAIB Leads Investigation Under ICAO Framework

Following information received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), AAIB has taken up the investigation in accordance with applicable provisions and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols.

The required notifications have also been made to ICAO and the concerned States.

Under the international aviation investigation framework, the State of Design and State of Manufacture participate in investigations involving aircraft and technical matters falling within their respective jurisdictions.

Accordingly, France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA), as the relevant investigation authority, along with technical representatives of Airbus, is providing technical assistance to AAIB, including relevant technical information and design documentation.

Flight Data, Aircraft Systems and Human Factors Under Review

AAIB is undertaking a systematic examination of the available evidence, including:

• Aircraft and aircraft systems
• Recorded flight data
• Operational records
• Maintenance records
• Medical information
• Human-factor evidence
• Interviews with relevant personnel and individuals

The investigation authority has emphasised that all material evidence will be examined collectively before any conclusions are reached.

AAIB has also cautioned against drawing conclusions from individual pieces of information while the investigation remains underway.

Investigation Focused on Aviation Safety

The government has stated that the sole objective of the investigation is to establish the circumstances and contributing factors associated with the occurrence and identify appropriate safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

AAIB has stressed that the investigation is independent, evidence-based and comprehensive.

Certain records, statements, medical information and other evidence collected during the process are protected and confidential under the applicable investigation framework. The Bureau has therefore urged the media and public not to draw conclusions from incomplete, unverified or selectively available information.

AAIB is expected to issue its preliminary findings within the stipulated timeframe under applicable regulations and ICAO protocols. Further information will be made public at the appropriate stage.

What It Means for Air Travellers

The investigation is significant for the wider aviation and travel industry because passenger safety and confidence are central to international tourism connectivity.

The Phuket-Delhi route links two major tourism markets, with passengers travelling between India and Thailand for leisure, business and other purposes. A transparent, technically rigorous investigation can help identify potential safety improvements while maintaining confidence in international air travel.

For the hospitality sector, aviation reliability directly influences international tourist arrivals, hotel demand, tour operations and destination bookings. Phuket-India air connectivity is particularly relevant to hotels, resorts, travel agencies and destination-management companies operating across both markets.

The involvement of AAIB, France’s BEA and Airbus also reflects the international nature of modern aviation safety investigations, where technical expertise and evidence from multiple jurisdictions can contribute to a comprehensive assessment.