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Air India's outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson, on Tuesday met with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in New Delhi to provide an update regarding the recent mid-air incident involving a Phuket-Delhi flight.
Addressing reporters following the meeting, Wilson stated that the briefing was focused on sharing preliminary findings and progress on the ongoing probe into the incident. "We were just giving an update on the status of the investigation... It is up to him (MoCA Minister) to give an update." The meeting comes in the backdrop of a serious safety incident on August 4, 2026, involving Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320neo carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. Cruising en route from Phuket to New Delhi, the aircraft experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop over Odisha, resulting in injuries to passengers and crew members. Meanwhile, Air India on Monday said it cannot comment on any findings or observations related to the investigation into the Phuket-Delhi flight incident that took place earlier this month, as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues its probe under the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13. According to a statement by a spokesperson from the airline, the carrier said that it would continue to provide all necessary cooperation to the concerned authorities as required for the probe. "The investigation into the incident is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13. As the investigative process is ongoing, Air India cannot comment on any findings or observations related to the investigation. We will continue to extend our full cooperation to relevant authorities as required," the spokesperson said. Airbus also issued a statement amid the probe, stating that it is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities in accordance with ICAO Annex 13. "In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, Airbus is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities. We are actively supporting the airline and will provide further information as it becomes available. A team of specialists is being dispatched to assist with the investigation," Airbus said in a statement. This comes as AAIB is investigating an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. "The occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the AAIB," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement on Sunday. As part of the standard operating procedures following such an occurrence, both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test. (ANI)
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