Air India Phuket-Delhi flight logged multiple hydraulic failures; autopilot disconnects before 300ft drop
New Delhi, August 13
A purported post-flight maintenance report for Air India flight AI2379 has revealed a series of technical warnings involving the aircraft's hydraulic systems, flight controls, and autopilot during its journey from Phuket to Delhi on August 4.
The report generated for Airbus A320 VT-EXO operating the flight lists repeated low-pressure alerts across the green, blue, and yellow hydraulic systems, along with low fluid levels in the yellow and blue reservoirs.
Autopilot disconnections were recorded twice. Other warnings included a left and right elevator flight control fault, engine anti-ice-related messages, and indications involving the right forward and aft emergency exit doors.
Failure messages on the report further flagged issues with the hydraulic system, an elevator computer, and a high-pressure indication linked to the nose landing gear door/engine anti-ice valve system.
Air India initially described the event as related to turbulence. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are investigating the occurrence, which has been classified as a serious incident.
The purported maintenance report itself does not confirm whether the logged hydraulic and flight control warnings were directly linked to the altitude loss or whether an actual loss of pressure/fluid occurred.
Investigators are examining the sequence of events, system data, and crew actions.
Air India has stated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority and that it is cooperating with authorities. The Civil Aviation Ministry has been closely monitoring the situation with senior officials.
Further findings from the AAIB investigation are awaited.
On August 4, 2026, Air India flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop over Odisha, resulting in injuries to passengers and crew members.
The Air India Airbus A320 aircraft, bearing registration VT-EXO, subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
During the occurrence, injuries were reported to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I was on this flight! The sudden drop was terrifying - people were screaming, and the crew did their best to keep everyone calm. Honestly, the pilots handled it professionally, but the airline must be transparent about what happened. First they said it was turbulence, now we learn about multiple hydraulic failures? That doesn't add up. We deserve better communication from Air India. Praying for all those injured. 🙏
As an aviation enthusiast, let me explain the seriousness of this. Hydraulic systems in an A320 are redundant (green, blue, yellow) precisely for safety. Having ALL THREE show low pressure is extremely rare and points to either a major fluid loss issue or a systemic problem. The autopilot disconnecting twice suggests the aircraft was fighting against itself. The pilots did a commendable job landing safely, but Air India needs to ground this aircraft and conduct a comprehensive review. This is not just about one flight - it's about the entire maintenance culture.
My whole family flies Air India for international trips, and now I'm having second thoughts. The initial response from the airline was to brush it off as turbulence, which feels dishonest. We need our aviation authorities to be strict - DGCA should not just investigate but also ensure airlines are held accountable when they try to downplay serious incidents. The fact that 20 passengers and 4 crew were injured is not something to sweep under the carpet. Accountability is the need of the hour.
As someone who follows global aviation safety, India's DGCA has generally been good at enforcing safety protocols, so I hope they get to the bottom of this. Multiple system failures on one flight is a red flag that needs immediate attention. Glad everyone survived, but the investigation must be thorough and transparent - not just for India but for global aviation safety standards.
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