Air India has issued its first official response to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report concerning the August 4 Delhi-bound flight AI-2379 from Phuket, announcing the launch of voluntary 100% testing for all its pilots.
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The Incident: The AAIB preliminary report revealed that flight AI-2379 experienced a brief mid-air triple-hydraulic system failure, triggering an uncommanded altitude fluctuation that injured 24 passengers and caused structural damage to the cabin interior.
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Drug and Medical Findings: While post-flight alcohol breathalyzer tests for both pilots returned negative results, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) tested non-negative for psychoactive substances during initial and laboratory confirmatory screenings.
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Airline Response: Pledging full cooperation with ongoing technical and medical inquiries, Air India stated that it is providing all operational, maintenance, and technical logs to investigators. To reinforce confidence, the carrier has rolled out voluntary 100% testing across its pilot roster.
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Zero Tolerance Policy: Air India emphasized that safety remains its primary operational directive, maintaining a strict zero-tolerance stance toward any violations of safety, medical fitness, or regulatory requirements, with promises of severe disciplinary action for any breaches.
