Airbus is dispatching a team of technical experts to New Delhi to support Indian authorities in their investigation of a recent, terrifying mid-air incident involving an Air India A320. On August 4, the flight, which was traveling from Phuket to New Delhi with 145 people on board, experienced a sudden drop in altitude of roughly 300 meters. While the aircraft eventually stabilized and landed safely, the event left 17 people—including four crew members—injured and in need of hospital treatment. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has officially classified the event as a "Serious Incident."

Beyond the technical investigation, the pilot-in-command is currently under scrutiny following a routine screening for psychoactive substances that necessitated further confirmatory analysis. As the inquiry continues, both pilots have been suspended from duty. This event adds to a string of recent operational challenges for the airline, which is striving to recover its reputation amidst a period of significant turbulence and leadership restructuring. Both Air India and Airbus have committed to full cooperation as officials work to determine the underlying cause of the rapid descent.