An Air India flight travelling from Phuket to New Delhi experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude during cruise, prompting a formal aviation-safety investigation and additional testing of the pilot-in-command.
The incident occurred on August 4 aboard Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 registered as VT-EXO. The aircraft stabilised after the altitude loss and later landed safely in Delhi.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the flight was carrying 137 passengers—including three infants—and eight crew members. A few passengers and cabin-crew members reportedly suffered injuries during the incident. The ministry did not disclose their condition or the exact nature of the injuries.
Initial Screening Not a Final Finding
Both pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive-substance screening as part of the standard procedure followed after such incidents.
The pilot-in-command’s initial screening produced a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have been sent to a designated laboratory, and the final report is awaited.
The preliminary result must not be described as a confirmed positive drug test. The ministry has also not disclosed which substance, if any, may have been indicated.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has removed both pilots from the flying roster while the investigation continues.
AAIB Investigating ‘Serious Incident’
The occurrence has been classified as a “serious incident” and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
Air India said it was aware that the pilots had undergone post-flight screening but had not been informed of the results. The airline said it would cooperate with the investigating authorities.
The investigation will examine the aircraft’s flight data, cockpit actions and possible technical or operational factors behind the sudden altitude loss.
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