DGCA Launches Detailed Probe Over Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight's Mid-Air Altitude Drop; 17 Injured

Published 5 August 2026 · local

News india DGCA Launches Detailed Probe Over Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight's Mid-Air Altitude Drop; 17 Injured DGCA Launches Detailed Probe Over Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight's

News india DGCA Launches Detailed Probe Over Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight's Mid-Air Altitude Drop; 17 Injured DGCA Launches Detailed Probe Over Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight's Mid-Air Altitude Drop; 17 Injured Published By, Last Updated: August 05, 2026, 07:08 IST The DGCA has launched a detailed investigation after Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude, injuring 17 passengers and crew. The DGCA has launched a detailed investigation after Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden 300-foot mid-air altitude drop, injuring 17 passengers and crew members. (Photos: Social Media) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed investigation into the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suffered a sudden mid-air altitude variation, leaving 17 people injured, including four cabin crew members, even as the aircraft landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320neo (registration VT-EXO), experienced a momentary altitude deviation before stabilising and completing the journey safely. “The DGCA has initiated a detailed investigation into the occurrence. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA are closely monitoring the situation," the ministry said. As part of the probe, investigators secured the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), while the aircraft was moved to the hangar for further examination.

The ministry reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that all necessary measures were being taken. Air India Plane Lost Around 300 Feet Mid-Air According to a senior DGCA official quoted by the news agency PTI, the Airbus A320neo experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet while cruising. “Air India A320 aircraft VT-EXO operating flight AI2379 (Phuket-Delhi) experienced loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude during the flight," the official said. The Pilot-in-Command reported that one cabin crew member suffered severe injuries, another crew member sustained injuries, and several passengers received minor injuries following the sudden altitude loss. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew. Earlier in the day, Air India had described the incident as a “brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise", resulting in a momentary change in altitude. 17 Injured On Air India Plane, Some Still Under Treatment In its latest update, Air India said 13 passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals for medical evaluation after the aircraft landed in Delhi. “As of 18:50 hrs on August 4, five passengers have been discharged, while the remaining individuals continue to receive treatment and care," the airline said. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, however, said eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment, while the remaining passengers were provided necessary assistance and support.