Airbus sends experts to India to assist probe into Air India flight’s sudden plunge

Airbus has dispatched experts to India to support the investigation into a dramatic mid-air incident involving an Air India flight, according to the company. The probe is being conducted following a sudden loss of altitude experienced by the Airbus A320, which was en route from Phuket, Thailand to New Delhi. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, descended approximately 300 feet (91 metres) before stabilising and safely landing.

Air India stated that the flight "experienced a sudden loss of altitude" and expressed full cooperation with the investigation, informing Airbus of the situation. The civil aviation ministry classified the incident as a "Serious Incident" and it is currently under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Airbus spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft manufacturer is providing "technical assistance" to Indian investigating authorities. However, Indian media reports have suggested that the flight encountered several technical issues in the hours leading up to the sudden loss in altitude, but neither the airline, Indian authorities or Airbus have officially confirmed this.

Following landing in New Delhi, eight passengers and four cabin crew members were hospitalized. The airline stated they "cannot comment on any findings or observations related to the investigation". Both pilots were subjected to standard "psychoactive substance screening tests" after landing, but the results for the chief pilot required further confirmatory testing.

The final report from these tests has not been released yet, and both pilots have been removed from the flying roster during the ongoing investigation. The incident involving the Phuket-New Delhi flight is the most recent in a series of challenges for Air India, which has been struggling to recover following multiple setbacks, including disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East.

The airline's recent image was significantly damaged in June 2025 when Air India Flight 171, a London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 242 people on board and 19 people on the ground. In response to this crisis, Air India appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive last week.