Airbus sends experts to New Delhi to aid Air India flight plunge investigation

The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, was flying from Phuket to New Delhi when it lost approximately 300 feet before stabilizing and landing safely. India's civil aviation ministry has classified the incident as a Serious Incident and it is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Airbus confirmed it is providing technical assistance to the Indian authorities.

The probe comes as "confirmatory" psychoactive drug test results are awaited for the chief pilot, whose initial screening indicated a need for further testing. Both pilots have been removed from flying duties during the investigation. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were hospitalized after the landing.

This incident is part of ongoing challenges for Air India, which recently appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive.