Air India Declines Comment on Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident as AAIB Probe Continues

New Delhi, August 11, 2026; Air India has said it will not comment on any findings or preliminary observations concerning the serious incident involving a Phuket-Delhi flight earlier this month, as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues its investigation.

The airline said the inquiry is being conducted under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s ICAO Annex 13 framework and that it would provide all assistance requested by the investigating authorities.

Airbus has also confirmed its involvement in the investigation. The aircraft manufacturer said it is extending technical support to the authorities and has arranged for specialists to assist with the probe.

The incident occurred on August 4 when the Air India aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet of altitude while cruising during its journey from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft subsequently regained stability and completed its flight safely in the national capital.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has classified the occurrence as a serious incident. The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members.

Some passengers and members of the cabin crew reportedly suffered injuries during the incident. Following established procedures, both pilots underwent psychoactive substance screening.

According to the ministry, the test involving the pilot-in-command produced a result that requires further confirmation. The relevant samples have been forwarded to an authorised laboratory, with the final analysis still awaited.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has meanwhile removed both pilots from flight duties pending completion of the investigation and the prescribed testing process. Any further decision will depend on the findings of the inquiry and the confirmatory test.

Investigations conducted under ICAO Annex 13 are intended primarily to establish facts and identify measures that can help prevent similar aviation incidents in the future. The framework does not focus on assigning blame or determining liability.

The AAIB investigation remains underway, while Air India and Airbus continue to cooperate with the authorities. Further conclusions are expected only after the investigative and testing processes are completed.