Air India has voluntarily started a testing programme covering all its pilots, going beyond current regulatory requirements. The move comes as the airline faces increased scrutiny following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident earlier this month.
Air India said the programme reflects its commitment to safety and professionalism. The airline also asked the media and other stakeholders to avoid speculation or reporting based on unverified information until the process and investigations are completed.
The development follows Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, which experienced a sudden altitude loss of around 300 feet. The incident was initially described as turbulence and is currently under investigation.
According to a preliminary assessment by Airbus, the aircraft temporarily lost hydraulic control across all three independent hydraulic systems. This caused important flight controls to become unresponsive for several seconds.
The incident reportedly resulted in injuries to passengers and crew. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident, with Airbus assisting in the probe.
Air India said any conclusions about the incident should be based only on verified facts after the ongoing assessment is completed.