DGCA probes Air India altitude loss; 17 passengers, crew injured

The Story in Brief

India’s civil aviation safety regulator has opened a detailed probe after an Air India Airbus A320neo (VT-EXO) operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a momentary altitude variation during cruise on Tuesday. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers including three infants and eight crew members (two pilots and six cabin crew), stabilised and landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, at 11:07 a.m. Following the incident, 13 passengers and four cabin crew sustained injuries.

Medical teams attended to all on arrival; five injured passengers were discharged while the remaining injured passengers and crew continued to receive treatment and were reported stable. The aircraft has been moved to a hangar and both the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been secured for examination. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said relevant authorities have been informed. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu visited Fortis Hospital. Air India said it is cooperating with investigators, has notified the manufacturer, and has teams at hospitals assisting affected people.

The Indian Opinion

Reports that highlight a “sudden loss of altitude” or focus on the number of injured can sound alarming; a measured reading of the facts shows the aircraft stabilised and landed safely, and those hurt are receiving medical care. The securing of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders and the regulator’s formal probe are appropriate steps that should help establish cause and responsibility.

At this stage, however, the precise cause is unclear. Ordinary readers should avoid speculation about technical failure or negligence until investigators publish findings. Media coverage would be more useful if it stresses verified developments-investigative steps, medical status and official statements-rather than emotive language or premature conclusions.

Original article: DGCA launches probe into Air India altitude loss incident; 17 passengers, crew injured (TheHinduBusinessLine)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.