Government summons outgoing Air India CEO over Phuket-Delhi flight incident

The development comes days after Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost about 300 feet in altitude during cruise on August 4, injuring at least 17 people.

In Short

• Govt officials reviewed broader Air India safety and operations concerns
• AI2379 turbulence incident injured passengers, crew during cruise flight
• DGCA classified AI2379 occurrence serious; AAIB launched detailed probe

Air India’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Campbell Wilson was summoned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation headquarters on Tuesday as the government intensified its scrutiny of the airline following the recent AI2379 mid-air incident and a series of operational concerns.

According to Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) sources, the meeting has concluded. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also joined the discussions, which were attended by the Civil Aviation Secretary and senior officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Sources told India Today that Wilson was questioned about the AI2379 incident during the meeting.

Officials reviewed broader safety and operational issues involving Air India, including the Phuket-Delhi turbulence incident in which 17 passengers and crew members were injured.

PHUKET-DELHI FLIGHT TURBULENCE

The development comes days after Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, suffered a sudden loss of altitude of about 300 feet while cruising. The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members.

Air India initially described the occurrence as a brief turbulence-related event that caused a momentary change in altitude. However, the DGCA subsequently classified it as a "serious incident" and transferred the investigation to the AAIB. The aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been secured for analysis.

Thirteen passengers and four cabin crew members were taken to hospital after landing. Air India later said five passengers had been discharged, while others remained under treatment and observation.

The airline said it was extending all necessary assistance to those affected and was cooperating fully with investigators.

Open-source flight tracking data indicated a brief loss of altitude during the flight, while videos circulating on social media appeared to show damage inside the cabin. Passengers described a sudden drop and violent shaking lasting several minutes.

WIDER PROBE INTO INCIDENT UNDERWAY

The probe has widened after reports suggested the aircraft may have experienced technical anomalies during the flight, including an autopilot disconnect and hydraulic system issues.

These reports have not been officially confirmed, but investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s systems, flight data and cockpit recordings to establish the sequence of events.

The incident has also drawn attention because both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening after landing.

The Civil Aviation Ministry said the pilot-in-command’s initial screening result required confirmatory laboratory testing and that the final report was awaited. The DGCA has de-rostered both pilots pending completion of the investigation.

Under international aviation rules, Airbus and France’s aviation accident investigation agency BEA are expected to assist the AAIB inquiry.

The latest development and the simultaneous inquiry into the August 4 incident comes at a sensitive time for Air India as the Tata Group-owned carrier faces heightened regulatory scrutiny following the AI2379 incident, operational disruptions, aircraft shortages and the continuing fallout of last year’s fatal Ahmedabad-London crash.

The airline recently announced a leadership transition, with Wilson stepping down and former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam set to take charge.

Tewolde is set to succeed Wilson, who resigned in April and will complete his notice period on September 30. Air India has not yet announced the date on which Tewolde will formally assume charge as chief executive officer.

Officials indicated that the government’s review would focus on safety oversight, operational reliability and the airline’s response mechanisms as investigations into AI2379 continue.

- Ends