Air India Turbulence: Both Flight Crew Members Taken Off Roster, Confirmatory Test Report Awaited
News india Air India Turbulence: Both Flight Crew Members Taken Off Roster, Confirmatory Test Report Awaited Air India Turbulence: Both Flight Crew Members Taken Off
News india Air India Turbulence: Both Flight Crew Members Taken Off Roster, Confirmatory Test Report Awaited Air India Turbulence: Both Flight Crew Members Taken Off Roster, Confirmatory Test Report Awaited Published By, Last Updated: August 09, 2026, 17:36 IST The Civil Aviation Ministry has described the incident "serious". The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet on August 4. The aircraft had landed safely in Delhi after the sudden altitude loss. (File photo) The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday described the incident involving an Air India A320 aircraft operating from Phuket to Delhi as a “serious" incident, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) conducting an investigation into the matter.
The development comes after the aircraft, operating flight AI2379, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. The aircraft, VT-EXO, was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew members. Both Flight Crew Members Taken Off Roster As part of the standard operating procedures following the incident, both pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test. The screening test of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. His samples have been sent to a designated laboratory for further analysis, with the final report awaited.
Pending the completion of the investigation and the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Investigation Underway Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation and the results of the confirmatory test. The Ministry and the DGCA reiterated their commitment to aviation safety, saying all such occurrences will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with established regulations and procedures. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi after the sudden altitude loss, despite injuries being reported among some passengers and members of the cabin crew. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.
The BriefWire