Sudden loss of altitude during cruise and injuries on board M/s Air India A320 aircraft VT-EXO operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on 04.08.2026
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 9th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Incident Summary: Air India Flight AI2379 Sudden Altitude Loss
Overview
On August 4, 2026, an Air India Airbus A320 (Registration: VT-EXO) operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden altitude loss of approximately 300 feet during the cruise phase of the flight. Although the aircraft stabilized and landed safely in Delhi, the event resulted in injuries to several passengers and cabin crew members.
Flight and Occupant Data
Date of Occurrence: August 4, 2026
Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 (VT-EXO)
Total Occupants: 145 individuals
Passengers: 137 (including 03 infants)
Crew: 08 (02 pilots and 06 cabin crew)
Altitude Metric: ~300-foot sudden descent during cruise.
Investigation and Regulatory Actions
The incident has been officially classified as a "Serious Incident" and is currently under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), both flight crew members underwent psychoactive substance screening. The screening for the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing; samples have been sent to a designated laboratory for final analysis. Consequently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has removed both flight crew members from the roster pending the final investigation report and test results.
Official Commitment
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA have stated their commitment to maintaining high aviation safety standards and ensuring thorough investigations into such occurrences to facilitate appropriate regulatory action.
Document Metadata
Release Date: August 9, 2026, 5:07 PM
Issued by: PIB Delhi / Ministry of Civil Aviation
Official Contact: Divyanshu Kumar
Release ID: 2296835
Visitor Counter: 5737
Key Entities Referenced
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB): The specialized agency responsible for conducting the formal investigation into the altitude loss incident classified as a Serious Incident.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The regulatory body that took the flight crew off the roster and is responsible for enforcing aviation safety standards and prescribed regulations.
Air India: The airline operator of flight AI2379 that experienced the sudden loss of altitude during cruise, leading to crew psychoactive substance screening.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The primary government ministry overseeing the investigation process and the implementation of aviation safety protocols.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Sudden loss of altitude during cruise and injuries
on board M/s Air India A320 aircraft VT-EXO
operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on
04.08.2026
प्रव तथ: 09 AUG 2026 5:07PM by PIB Delhi
On 04.08.2026, M/s Air India A320 aircraft VT-EXO, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi,
experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise, following which the aircraft
stabilised and subsequently landed safely at Delhi.
During the occurrence, injuries were reported to a few passengers and cabin crew members on board. The
aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including 03 infants, and 08 crew members comprising two pilots
and six cabin crew.
As part of the Standard Operating Procedures following such an occurrence, both flight crew members
underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test. The screening test in respect of the Pilot-
in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have accordingly been sent
to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited.
The occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the Aircraft
Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Pending investigation and completion of the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been
taken off roster by the DGCA. Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the
investigation and confirmatory test results.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA remains firmly committed to maintaining the highest
standards of aviation safety and ensuring that all such occurrences are thoroughly investigated and
appropriate action is taken in accordance with the prescribed regulations and procedures.
*****
Divyanshu Kumar
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2296835) आगंतुक पटल : 5737
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