Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 11th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated an investigation into a sudden 300-foot altitude variation experienced by Air India Flight AI 2379 on August 4, 2026, which resulted in injuries to 24 individuals. Conducted in accordance with ICAO protocols and supported by international technical experts, the investigation aims to identify contributing factors and safety measures to prevent recurrence. Preliminary findings will be released within a stipulated timeframe following a comprehensive examination of technical, medical, and operational evidence.
Key Points / Main Content
Incident Overview
Air India Flight AI 2379 (Phuket to Delhi), an Airbus A320 (VT-EXO), experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude change during the cruise phase.
Out of the 145 people on board (137 passengers and 8 crew), 20 passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries.
The aircraft stabilized following the occurrence and landed safely at its destination in Delhi.
Investigation Framework
The AAIB is leading the independent investigation in compliance with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau provisions and ICAO protocols.
France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) is participating as the authority of the State of Design and Manufacture.
Technical representatives from Airbus are providing assistance, including design documentation and technical information.
Evidence Collection and Confidentiality
The AAIB is collecting and examining flight data, aircraft systems, maintenance records, medical information, and human-factor evidence.
Interviews are being conducted with all concerned persons to ensure a comprehensive factual determination.
All records, statements, and medical data collected are protected and confidential to maintain the integrity of the investigation process.
Impact Analysis
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)Impact
The AAIB is the primary authority responsible for the systematic collection and analysis of all evidence related to the flight occurrence.
Action Required
Conduct a thorough investigation, preserve all material evidence, and issue preliminary findings within the stipulated ICAO timeframe.
Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) and AirbusImpact
As representatives of the State of Design and Manufacture, they are integrated into the international investigation framework.
Action Required
Provide necessary technical assistance, design documentation, and relevant technical information to the AAIB.
Media and PublicImpact
The public and media are restricted from accessing confidential investigation materials to ensure a fair and objective process.
Action Required
Respect the confidentiality of the investigation and refrain from drawing conclusions based on incomplete or unverified information.
Key Entities Referenced
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB): The primary agency responsible for conducting the independent investigation into the Air India flight incident to determine contributing factors and identify safety measures.
ICAO protocols: International regulatory frameworks established by the International Civil Aviation Organization that govern the standards and procedures for aircraft accident investigations.
Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA): France's aviation safety agency providing technical assistance and design documentation to the investigation as the authority of the State of Design and Manufacture.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The Indian aviation regulator that provided the initial information regarding the flight occurrence to the AAIB.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Investigation into Air India Flight AI 2379
(Phuket–Delhi) of 04.08.2026
प्रव तथ: 11 AUG 2026 7:16PM by PIB Delhi
On 04.08.2026, an Air India Airbus A320 aircraft, registration VT-EXO, operating scheduled flight AI
2379 from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a sudden altitude variation of approximately 300 feet during
cruise. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi.
During the occurrence, injuries were reported to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. The aircraft
was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and
six cabin crew.
Based on the information received from DGCA and the nature of the occurrence, the Aircraft Accident
Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken up the investigation in accordance with the applicable provisions
and ICAO protocols. The requisite notifications have been made to ICAO and the concerned States.
The participation of the State of Design and the State of Manufacture in an aircraft incident of such nature
is an established part of the international investigation framework prescribed under ICAO protocols.
Accordingly, the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA), France, as
the investigation authority of the concerned State, along with technical representatives of Airbus, is
extending the necessary technical assistance to AAIB, including provision of relevant technical
information and design documentation, in accordance with the applicable ICAO framework.
AAIB is presently engaged in the systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant
technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidences. This includes examination of the aircraft and
its systems, recorded flight data, relevant operational and maintenance records, medical information, and
interviews with persons concerned. All material evidence will be examined in its entirety before any
conclusions are drawn.
The sole objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors relating
to the occurrence and to identify appropriate safety measures to prevent recurrence. The investigation is
independent, evidence-based and comprehensive, and no inference regarding the cause of the occurrence
should be drawn from any isolated piece of information while the investigation is in progress.
Certain records, statements, medical information and other material collected during the investigation are
protected and confidential in accordance with the applicable investigation framework. Maintaining the
integrity and confidentiality of the investigation process is essential to a fair, objective and technically
sound determination of the facts. The AAIB therefore requests all concerned, including the media and the
public, to respect the investigation process and refrain from drawing conclusions on the basis of
incomplete, unverified or selectively available information.
The AAIB will conduct a thorough investigation covering all material facts and relevant evidence and will
issue its preliminary findings within the stipulated timeframe in accordance with the applicable provisions
and ICAO protocols. Further information will be placed in the public domain at the appropriate stage ofthe investigation.
The AAIB remains committed to an independent, transparent and professional investigation, with aviation
safety as its overriding objective.
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Divyanshu Kumar
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2297850) आगंतुक पटल : 1814
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