Airbus joins probe into Air India flight plunge

Airbus is sending a team of experts to New Delhi to assist in the investigation of an Air India flight that suddenly lost altitude on August 4, injuring 17 people. The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, had departed from Phuket in Thailand and was en route to New Delhi when the incident occurred. The plane managed to stabilize and land safely.

Air India has stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigation, but have not provided any official findings or observations. The Civil Aviation Ministry has classified the incident as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The chief pilot's psychoactive drug test results are pending confirmation.

Both pilots were given standard psychoactive substance screening tests after landing, with the pilot-in-command's result requiring further testing. The airline has noted that the pilots have been removed from the flying roster during the investigation. This incident is the latest in a series of challenges for Air India, which has faced significant disruptions due to the Middle East conflict.