Sudden loss of altitude during cruise and injuries on board M/s Air India A320 aircraft VT-EXO operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on 04.08.2026

On 04 August 2026, Air India A320 VT‑EXO operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise but later stabilised and landed safely. A few passengers and cabin crew sustained injuries. The aircraft carried 137 passengers (including three infants) and eight crew members. Following standard procedures, the pilot‑in‑command underwent a psychoactive substance screening that yielded a result requiring confirmatory testing; samples have been sent to a designated laboratory. The incident has been classified as a Serious Incident and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with both flight crew members placed off the DGCA roster pending the investigation outcome.