Air India Jet Suffers Altitude Loss, Injuring 17
An Air India Airbus A320neo experienced a sudden loss of altitude due to a suspected hydraulic system failure, resulting in injuries to 17 people aboard. The incident occurred en route from Phuket to Delhi.
Key takeaways
- An Air India flight AI-2379 experienced significant altitude deviations and a loss of altitude en route from Phuket to Delhi.
- A total of 17 individuals, including 13 passengers and 4 crew members, sustained injuries during the incident.
- Preliminary reports suggest a possible transient technical fault, potentially involving all three hydraulic systems, as the cause.
- Indian aviation authorities have secured flight recorders, and the AAIB is conducting an investigation.
What Happened
An Air India Airbus A320-200N, operating as flight AI-2379 from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India, encountered a severe incident while en route. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and 8 crew, experienced altitude deviations and a subsequent loss of altitude. This event resulted in injuries to 13 passengers and 4 cabin crew members.
The aircraft experienced deviations of +175 feet and -250 feet from its cruising altitude of FL360 before returning to its assigned level. Following the incident, the plane landed in Delhi approximately 90 minutes later without further complications.
Key Facts
- An Air India Airbus A320-200N, registration VT-EXO, flight AI-2379, was involved in an incident.
- The flight originated in Phuket, Thailand, and was en route to Delhi, India.
- The aircraft was at Flight Level 360 (approximately 36,000 feet) near position N21.33 E84.90 when the event occurred.
- The aircraft experienced altitude deviations of +175 feet and -250 feet.
- 13 passengers and 4 cabin crew members sustained injuries.
- India's Civil Aviation Ministry reported 8 passengers and 4 cabin crew were hospitalized in stable condition.
- Flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been secured.
- India's DGCA reported on August 10th, 2026, that a transient technical fault caused the upset.
- The DGCA also stated that a drug test on the captain had yielded a non-negative result, requiring confirmation.
- India's Pilots' Association reported on August 10th, 2026, that all three hydraulic systems failed.
- The airline subsequently stated the cause was a "sudden loss of altitude during cruise."
- The incident is under investigation by India's AAIB.
Background
The crew's quick reaction to the perceived triple hydraulic failure, instructing the first officer to lower the nose, resulted in a negative G-load that caused occupants to be thrown around the cabin. The crew indicated they had insufficient time to activate the fasten seat belt signs. The Pilots' Association stated this rapid response saved lives.
What Happens Next
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the occurrence. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been secured for analysis.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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