New Delhi, Aug 11: The Civil Aviation Ministry has summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson following a serious incident involving a Phuket–Delhi flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude last week, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The Airbus A320neo, operating as Air India flight AI2379, was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when the incident occurred over Odisha. The aircraft stabilised and landed safely in Delhi, but 17 people — 13 passengers and four crew members — were injured.
The incident is being investigated by Indian aviation authorities. The aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been secured, while Airbus and France’s BEA are assisting the probe.
The ministry has also taken note of an initial screening result involving the flight’s captain for psychoactive substances. Further laboratory testing has been ordered, while Air India has said it had not been formally informed of the initial result.
The latest action underscores the government’s focus on aviation safety as investigators work to determine whether the sudden altitude loss was linked to turbulence, a technical issue or other operational factors. The final cause remains under investigation.
