Air India Starts Voluntary 100% Pilot Testing After Phuket-Delhi Flight

Written By: Samadrita Mukherjee

Samadrita Mukherjee

A dedicated Digital News Writer with experience in creating accurate, engaging, and SEO-optimized news content for digital platforms. Skilled in researching, verifying facts, and producing timely articles on travel, tourism, aviation, visa updates, and breaking news. Strong understanding of WordPress, SEO best practices, Google Discover guidelines, and audience-focused content strategies. Capable of crafting compelling headlines, optimizing content for search visibility, and maintaining high editorial standards under tight deadlines. Committed to delivering credible, informative, and reader-friendly news while adapting to evolving digital publishing trends and organizational requirements.

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September 5, 2026 7:58 AM

In wake of the preliminary report from AAIB regarding flight AI-2379, which faced an interim problem with the hydraulic system during flight, Air India has decided to conduct voluntary 100% pilot testing. In wake of the preliminary report on the August 4 incident, where there was an interim technical problem with the hydraulic system of the aircraft involved, the airline took the decision to increase its safety measures.

It stated that the additional safety measures would be a part of precautions to further ensure its safety process while the investigations continue in regard to the technical and medical aspect of the matter. Air India has confirmed that it is supplying the investigating teams with operational and technical records of the particular flight.

It is important for passengers to understand how airlines handle such matters in case of a safety investigation.

What Has Changed With Air India’s New Pilot Safety Initiative

Air India has introduced voluntary testing for all pilots following the release of the AAIB preliminary report. The airline described the initiative as an additional safety measure designed to reinforce its commitment to operational standards and regulatory compliance.

The carrier said its pilots already undergo mandatory training, regular proficiency checks, medical examinations, and other assessments required under national and international aviation regulations.

Additional Safety Steps Announced by Air India

• Voluntary testing has been started for 100% of Air India pilots.
• The airline continues to cooperate fully with the AAIB investigation.
• Relevant operational, technical, and maintenance records are being provided to investigators.
• The airline has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach towards safety or regulatory violations.

Air India said any deviation from established safety procedures would result in appropriate action according to applicable rules.

Why This Matters for Travellers Flying With Air India

Safety remains one of the most important factors influencing airline passenger decisions. When an aircraft incident leads to an investigation, travellers naturally want to understand what happened and what steps are being taken to prevent similar situations.

Air India’s voluntary pilot testing programme provides additional visibility into how airlines respond after safety-related events. The measure is intended to support confidence while investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding flight AI-2379.

What Travellers Should Understand About Aviation Investigations

• Preliminary reports provide early information and are not final conclusions.
• Airlines may introduce additional safety measures during investigations.
• Technical issues and crew-related matters are reviewed separately through formal processes.
• Aviation regulators use investigation findings to recommend improvements where necessary.

The investigation process involves multiple areas, including aircraft systems, maintenance records, operational procedures, and crew-related assessments.

What Happened During Air India Flight AI-2379 From Phuket to Delhi

The AAIB preliminary report examined Air India flight AI-2379, which was operating from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India, on August 4, 2026.

According to the report, the aircraft experienced a temporary drop in indications from all three hydraulic systems during the flight. The event caused an altitude fluctuation and resulted in damage to parts of the cabin interior.

The incident also resulted in injuries among passengers and crew members.

Key Details of the Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident

The AAIB report is preliminary, meaning investigators may continue collecting evidence before releasing final findings.

Crew Fitness Findings Become Part of the Ongoing Review

The AAIB report also included information related to post-flight crew testing.

According to the findings released in the preliminary report, alcohol breath analyser tests conducted after the flight were negative for both pilots. However, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) returned a non-negative result for psychoactive substances during initial and laboratory confirmatory testing.

Air India said it would continue supporting the investigation process and follow any recommendations issued by authorities.

Airline Response to Crew-Related Concerns

• Air India stated that passenger and operational safety remains its highest priority.
• The airline confirmed cooperation with technical and medical inquiries.
• Additional voluntary testing has been introduced for pilots.
• The carrier reiterated its commitment to aviation regulations.

The final assessment of the crew-related findings will depend on the completion of the official investigation process.

How Air India’s Response Could Affect Future Travel Confidence

Airline safety depends on multiple layers of protection, including aircraft maintenance, pilot training, medical assessments, operational procedures, and regulatory monitoring.

Additional internal measures after an incident can help airlines review existing systems and identify areas where further safeguards may be useful.

Wider Aviation Safety Practices

• Pilot qualifications are regularly reviewed through training and proficiency checks.
• Medical fitness assessments are part of aviation regulations.
• Aircraft systems undergo maintenance and technical inspections.
• Regulators investigate incidents to improve future safety standards.

For passengers, these processes demonstrate that aviation safety involves continuous monitoring rather than relying on a single measure.

What Travellers Should Know Before Booking Air India Flights

The investigation relates to a specific flight incident, while Air India continues operating under existing aviation regulations and safety requirements.

Travellers planning to fly with the airline should continue checking official updates and following standard travel procedures.

Before Booking or Flying

• Check the latest airline updates before departure.
• Confirm flight schedules through official channels.
• Follow airport and airline instructions.
• Allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
• Understand that investigation findings may change as more information becomes available.

Passengers should rely on official aviation authorities and airline announcements for confirmed updates.

Industry Impact of Expanded Pilot Testing Measures

The introduction of voluntary pilot testing highlights the aviation industry’s continued focus on crew fitness and operational safety.

Airlines operate under strict international standards designed to reduce risks through multiple layers of oversight. When additional measures are introduced after an incident, they are often aimed at strengthening existing safety systems.

Air India’s response also reflects the importance of transparency during aviation investigations, particularly when passenger confidence is involved.

Potential Industry Implications

• Greater focus on crew fitness monitoring.
• Increased attention to airline safety procedures.
• Additional internal reviews after operational incidents.
• Continued cooperation between airlines and investigation agencies.

The final AAIB report will determine whether further recommendations or changes are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Air India begin voluntary pilot testing?

Air India introduced voluntary 100% pilot testing after the AAIB released preliminary findings from the Phuket-Delhi flight investigation.

What happened to Air India flight AI-2379?

The AAIB reported a temporary triple-hydraulic system drop during the flight, causing an altitude fluctuation and cabin damage.

Were alcohol tests conducted after the flight?

Yes. The preliminary report stated that alcohol breath analyser tests were negative for both pilots.

Is the investigation complete?

No. The AAIB report released is preliminary, and further investigation is continuing.

Are Air India flights operating normally?

Air India continues operations while implementing additional safety measures and cooperating with investigators.

Closing Update

Air India’s recent decision to conduct a voluntary test of 100% of pilots is another safety precaution, after the AAIB’s preliminary review of flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi. Air India has reasserted its position on transparency, compliance, and collaboration with investigators, during the ongoing review process.

For passengers, this news brings attention to the fact that the aviation industry is always keen on safety through technical investigation, crew evaluation, and standards improvement.