03 September,2026 11:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
An Air India Airbus A320, registered as VT-EXO, had reportedly experienced a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude while flying over Odisha. Representational Pic/File
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently investigating the incident involving an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that suffered a sudden altitude drop over Odisha, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Thursday, reported the ANI.
The minister said the AAIB is expected to release its preliminary report shortly, following which the government will decide on further action.
Speaking to reporters, Kinjarapu stressed that the investigation must be based on thoroughly verified facts and that the findings would not be rushed, the news agency reported.
He said the authorities have full confidence in the AAIB and would await the preliminary report before drawing conclusions or deciding on additional measures.
According to the ANI, the minister also revealed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reviewing a proposal to introduce random testing for pilots throughout the year.
Under the proposal currently being discussed with airlines and other stakeholders, pilots could be subjected to testing at random points during the year rather than within a limited testing window.
Kinjarapu said the government would consider strengthening safety protocols once consultations with stakeholders are complete, while also taking operational requirements into account.
Explaining the proposed changes, the minister said pilot testing was previously mandatory for only 10 per cent of pilots.
The government is now discussing with airlines the possibility of extending testing coverage to 100 per cent of pilots, with tests conducted randomly throughout the year.
He said the objective is to determine how the system can be strengthened while maintaining a balance between aviation safety and operational requirements.
The minister added that flying checks are already conducted in line with international norms, but authorities are examining whether monitoring mechanisms can be made more stringent.
The developments follow an incident involving Air India flight A12379, which was operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4.
The Airbus A320, registered as VT-EXO, reportedly experienced a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude while flying over Odisha.
Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured in the incident. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and continued its journey before landing safely in Delhi.
The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members - two pilots and six cabin crew.
Kinjarapu said any additional safety measures would be considered after the AAIB's findings and the ongoing DGCA consultations.
He reiterated that the government would take steps to strengthen aviation safety wherever necessary, while ensuring that decisions are supported by verified evidence.
The minister also addressed the operational and financial challenges facing Indian airlines, including SpiceJet.
He said the Civil Aviation Ministry holds monthly discussions with airlines to assess difficulties and challenges affecting their operations, reported the ANI.
According to Kinjarapu, SpiceJet has also been engaged in these discussions, with the government encouraging the airline to strengthen its operations, particularly its financial position.
The airline, he said, has assured the ministry that it would take steps to address the issues soon.
(with ANI inputs)
