Outgoing Air India Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson, provided an update to senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in New Delhi regarding a recent incident involving an Air India flight. The meeting, held on August 11, 2026, aimed to discuss the ongoing investigation into a flight that experienced an unusual altitude drop during its journey.

The briefing followed a serious event on August 4, 2026, where Air India flight AI2379, operating an Airbus A320neo, faced a sudden 300-foot decrease in altitude while flying from Phuket to New Delhi. This incident reportedly resulted in injuries for some passengers and crew members on board the aircraft.

Wilson confirmed to reporters after the meeting that the focus was on sharing preliminary findings and the current status of the investigation. He stated that further updates would be provided by the MoCA Minister at a later date.

Ongoing Investigation by the AAIB

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is managing the investigation into the incident under the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13. Air India has clarified that it will refrain from commenting on any findings until the investigation is concluded. A spokesperson for the airline expressed the commitment to cooperate fully with the authorities involved in the inquiry.

In light of the incident, standard operating procedures necessitate that both flight crew members undergo psychoactive substance screening tests, as per regulatory requirements. The Ministry of Civil Aviation categorised the event as a Serious Incident, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation and accountability in ensuring passenger safety.

Air India’s cooperative stance was affirmed in the airline’s official statements, expressing a commitment to support the investigative process as required. The spokesperson underscored that all necessary assistance would be provided during the investigation’s duration.

Technical Support from Airbus

Amid the ongoing investigation, Airbus has announced that it is contributing technical assistance to the relevant authorities. The company stated that it is adhering to ICAO guidelines and working actively alongside Air India in the inquiry process. Airbus emphasised its readiness to share further information as it becomes available.

As part of its support, Airbus plans to dispatch a team of specialists to facilitate the investigation. This collaboration underlines the importance of corporate responsibility within the aviation sector, particularly in responses to serious incidents affecting passenger safety.

The cooperation between Air India, Airbus, and the investigative authorities reflects a broader commitment within the aviation industry to prioritise safety and regulatory compliance. As the investigation continues, stakeholders remain focused on understanding the factors that contributed to the altitude drop and preventing future occurrences.

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