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Airbus is sending a team of specialists to New Delhi to assist Indian investigators examining an Air India flight that suddenly lost altitude during a journey from Phuket to the Indian capital, leaving 17 people injured. The Airbus A320 was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it dropped about 300 feet, or 91 metres, on August 4. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in New Delhi. Airbus said it was providing technical assistance to the Indian authorities investigating the incident, which has been classified as a serious incident by India’s civil aviation ministry. “A team of specialists is being dispatched to assist with the investigation,” an Airbus spokesperson said. The company said it was actively supporting Air India and would provide further information as it becomes available. Air India said after the flight landed that the aircraft had experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The airline said it was cooperating fully with the investigation and had notified Airbus. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the inquiry. Indian media have reported that the aircraft experienced several technical problems shortly before the sudden altitude loss, although neither Air India, Airbus nor Indian authorities have officially confirmed those reports. The investigation is also awaiting confirmatory results from a psychoactive substance screening test involving the flight’s captain. India’s aviation ministry said both pilots underwent standard screening after the aircraft landed. The test involving the pilot-in-command produced a result that required additional laboratory testing, with samples sent for analysis. Both pilots have been removed from flying duties while the investigation continues. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were taken to hospitals after landing. The full extent of their injuries has not been publicly detailed. Air India has said it cannot comment on findings or observations connected to the ongoing investigation. The incident adds to a series of challenges facing the airline as it attempts to improve its operations following several major setbacks. Air India has also experienced disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which affected international flight operations. The carrier continues to face scrutiny following the crash of Air India Flight 171 in June 2025. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad while bound for London, killing 241 of the 242 people aboard and 19 people on the ground. The airline appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive last week as it continues efforts to strengthen its operations. The latest investigation will now examine the circumstances surrounding the A320’s sudden loss of altitude, with Airbus specialists expected to provide technical support to Indian authorities.

Airbus is sending a team of specialists to New Delhi to assist Indian investigators examining an Air India flight that…