Air India CEO Grilled Over AI2379 Incident, Trust Erodes

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson faced the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Tuesday, providing updates on the August 4 incident involving flight AI2379. This meeting followed a sudden altitude loss of approximately 300 feet on the Phuket-Delhi route, which resulted in injuries to 17 people.

Officials conveyed significant concern over public confidence, emphasizing its fragility after the fatal Air India AI171 crash last year. They noted the latest event further erodes trust in the airline’s operations.

Key Incident Details

• Flight Route: Phuket to Delhi (AI2379)
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320
• Altitude Loss: Approximately 300 feet during cruising phase
• Injuries Reported: 17 people, with no fatalities
• Previous Major Incident: AI171 crash last year, killing 260 people

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has classified the Phuket-Delhi flight incident as a “serious incident.” France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) and aircraft manufacturer Airbus have joined the ongoing investigation efforts.

Regulatory Response and Pilot Status

Upon leaving the ministry, Wilson confirmed he was providing an update on the investigation’s status. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) immediately removed both pilots from the roster pending the full inquiry.

Crucially, the pilot-in-command underwent post-flight screening for psychoactive substances, with an initial test result reported as “not negative.” This finding necessitates a confirmatory test, which is now pending.

The government has indicated that further actions will be determined based on the comprehensive investigation findings and the conclusive results of the confirmatory test. This incident underscores the intensified scrutiny on Air India as it navigates operational challenges and public trust issues.