DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Disasters & Emergencies

Airbus joins probe into Air India flight plunge

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Airbus is sending experts to assist in the investigation of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden loss of altitude.
  • The flight, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, lost around 300 feet on August 4 while flying from Phuket to New Delhi.
  • The incident is classified as a Serious Incident, and the pilot-in-command is undergoing confirmatory drug testing.

Airbus is dispatching specialists to New Delhi to aid investigators in probing a dramatic mid-air incident involving an Air India flight that resulted in injuries to 17 people.

The Airbus A320, en route from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi on August 4 with 137 passengers and eight crew members aboard, unexpectedly dropped approximately 300 feet. The aircraft stabilized and landed safely afterward. Air India stated it experienced a "sudden loss of altitude" and is fully cooperating with the investigation, having notified the aircraft manufacturer.

A team of specialists is being dispatched to assist with the investigation. Airbus is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities. We are actively supporting the airline and will provide further information as it becomes available.

— Airbus spokespersonConfirming Airbus's involvement in the investigation of the Air India flight incident.

India's civil aviation ministry has classified the event as a "Serious Incident" and assigned the investigation to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). An Airbus spokesperson confirmed the company is providing "technical assistance" to Indian authorities and supporting the airline.

experienced a sudden loss of altitude

— Air IndiaDescribing the event that occurred on the flight from Phuket to New Delhi.

While Indian media has reported potential technical issues preceding the altitude loss, official confirmation from Air India, authorities, or Airbus is pending. The chief pilot is currently undergoing confirmatory psychoactive drug tests after an initial screening indicated a need for further analysis. Both pilots have been removed from flying duties during the investigation.

This incident adds to the challenges faced by Air India, which has been working to implement a turnaround strategy amidst various setbacks, including disruptions from the conflict in the Middle East. The airline's image was significantly impacted by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in June 2025.

occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)

— India’s civil aviation ministryOfficial classification and assignment of the Air India flight incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog