The recent flight AI2379, operated by Air India, encountered a series of technical problems while travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. A maintenance report for the Airbus A320, identified by registration number VT-EXO, has brought to light various hydraulic and flight control warnings during the flight. The report indicated low-pressure alerts affecting the green, blue, and yellow hydraulic systems, accompanied by insufficient fluid levels in the yellow and blue reservoirs.

Additionally, the report revealed that the autopilot system disconnected twice during the flight. Other technical alerts included faults related to the left and right elevator controls and engine anti-ice system notifications, as well as indications pertaining to the right forward and aft emergency exits. This series of failures has raised concerns regarding the aircraft’s operational integrity.

Air India initially attributed the sudden altitude changes to turbulence. However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have initiated an investigation into the matter, classifying the incident as serious due to its potential implications on passenger safety. The investigation aims to assess not only the technical issues reported but also the interplay between these issues and the sudden altitude loss experienced during the flight.

Details of the Altitude Drop Incident

On August 4, 2026, while flying over Odisha, Air India Flight AI2379 reportedly suffered a sudden drop of 300 feet, which resulted in injuries to both passengers and crew members onboard. The aircraft was carrying a total of 137 passengers, including three infants, and was supported by a crew of eight, comprising two pilots and six cabin crew members. Following the incident, the flight managed to stabilise its altitude and safely landed in Delhi.

Initial reports indicated that the altitude loss resulted in a total of 20 passengers and four crew members sustaining various injuries. The nature and extent of these injuries have raised further questions surrounding the effectiveness of the aircraft’s safety protocols during critical situations. The prompt response of the crew appears to have minimised the potential risk of further incidents.

In the wake of the incident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been actively monitoring developments. Senior officials are engaged in close observation and managerial oversight of the investigation led by the DGCA and the AAIB. Both organisations are focused on the safety and operational management of the incident, underlining the necessity for transparent processes in addressing such occurrences.

Air India’s Assurance and Future Actions

Air India has reiterated its commitment to passenger and crew safety amid ongoing investigations into the incident. The airline expressed its readiness to fully cooperate with regulatory authorities to ensure that all relevant findings are transparently reported. The management emphasised that safety remains their top priority, reflecting industry standards and expectations.

The results from the AAIB investigation are highly anticipated, as they will provide a clearer understanding of the technical failures experienced during the flight. As the investigation proceeds, additional findings and safety recommendations may emerge, focusing on the aircraft’s operational reliability and necessary preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, while the incident involving Air India Flight AI2379 raises significant safety concerns, the comprehensive investigations led by relevant authorities aim to clarify the series of failures experienced. Ensuring the safety of air travel remains a shared responsibility among airlines and regulatory bodies alike, highlighting the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation practices.

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