An Air India Airbus A320 flight from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi encountered a harrowing midair incident last month, resulting in injuries to 24 passengers. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, suddenly lost altitude, causing a violent pitch before stabilizing and landing safely. Investigations revealed a temporary loss of hydraulic systems as the cause of the incident, classified as a 'Serious Incident' by India's civil aviation ministry.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India released a preliminary report stating that the flight-control system detected the loss of three hydraulic systems for several seconds, leading to an altitude upset. The aircraft initially gained 372 feet (113 meters) and then fell by 292 feet (89 meters). This hydraulic failure caused the autopilot to disengage and triggered a two-second stall warning before the systems recovered, allowing the aircraft to return to normal operation.
Adding to the severity of the incident, the pilot in command was found to be non-negative for psychoactive substances in a confirmatory drug test. The AAIB report highlighted this as a'serious concern.' Air India responded swiftly, terminating the pilot 'with immediate effect,' adhering to the company's 'zero-tolerance approach to violation of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements.'
This incident has prompted India's aviation ministry to consider tighter screening rules for psychoactive substances. In response, Air India ordered a mandatory one-time drug screening of all its pilots. The airline, owned by India's Tata Group, has faced a series of challenges, including flight disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East and a previous fatal crash in June 2025. The carrier appointed Tewolde Gebremariam, former Ethiopian Airlines chief, as its new CEO last month, hoping he will steer Air India towards profitability and stability.
The recent incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and rigorous screening for airline crew. As Air India navigates through these turbulent times, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and restoring public confidence in the airline's operations.
