On August 4, an Air India Airbus A320 on flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden drop of about 300 feet. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, but 24 people on board were injured during the event. The incident occurred after a loss of hydraulic pressure that briefly left key flight controls unresponsive.
Airbus’s preliminary analysis revealed that all three hydraulic systems lost pressure in quick succession. These systems use pressurised fluid to power flight controls and other equipment. The loss caused the pilots to be unable to use the elevators and ailerons for roughly four seconds.
During that brief period, the aircraft pitched upward, according to Airbus. The first officer applied a full nose‑down input, but the flight‑control surfaces did not respond immediately. Hydraulic pressure recovered within seconds, allowing the aircraft to regain control.
The cause of the hydraulic loss remains unknown. Airbus has asked Air India to run tests on the hydraulic systems, pressure sensors, and switches. It also requested removal of certain sensors for inspection and suggested further checks of the wiring.
Airbus noted that the aircraft experienced forces above specified limits during the sudden altitude change. It has asked Air India to inspect the plane for possible structural damage caused by the abrupt movement. The investigation continues with detailed accounts from the pilots and maintenance records from the past month.
Indian authorities have classified the incident as serious. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the probe, with technical assistance from Airbus and France’s BEA. Air India has not yet responded to requests for comment.
A source familiar with the matter reports that the flight’s captain tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. No link between the test result and the altitude loss has been established. Air India began mandatory substance testing for all pilots following the incident.
The event adds to the challenges facing Air India as former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam prepares to take over as CEO. The carrier is already grappling with mounting losses and increased safety scrutiny after the June 2025 crash of a Boeing 787 that killed 260 people. Singapore Airlines holds a roughly 25% stake in the Tata Group‑controlled airline.