Initial Airbus analysis points to loss of all three hydraulic systems on Air India jet

Initial analysis by Airbus suggests an Air India Airbus A320neo lost all three hydraulic systems during a serious in-flight incident earlier this month, resulting in a sudden 300-foot altitude drop and a temporary loss of key flight controls.

According to Reuters, the incident occurred on Air India flight AI2379 operating between Phuket and Delhi on August 4. For approximately four seconds, pilots were unable to control the aircraft's elevators and ailerons, the flight control surfaces responsible for pitch and roll movements.

The event left 24 people injured and has triggered an extensive technical investigation involving Airbus, Air India and aviation authorities.

Flight control surfaces became unresponsive

The aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude after the apparent hydraulic failure.

According to Reuters, preliminary findings indicate the loss of all three hydraulic systems caused the aircraft to descend around 300 feet (91 metres) within seconds.

During the incident:

• The aircraft pitched upwards unexpectedly.
• The first officer applied a full nose-down control input.
• The elevators and ailerons did not respond to pilot commands.
• Hydraulic systems subsequently re-engaged.
• Flight controls returned, allowing the aircraft to recover.

Hydraulic systems play a critical role in aircraft operations, powering key control surfaces used to manoeuvre the aircraft during flight.

Airbus orders technical inspections

The exact cause of the hydraulic disruption has not yet been determined.

Reuters reported that Airbus has instructed Air India to conduct checks of the aircraft's hydraulic systems and the sensors used to monitor hydraulic pressure.

The manufacturer is also examining whether deeper inspections of the aircraft's wiring systems may be required.

Some pressure sensors have already been removed for evaluation as investigators attempt to establish what led to the simultaneous loss of hydraulic capability.

Aircraft remains grounded as investigation continues

The aircraft involved in the incident, registration VT-EXO, is a seven-year-old Airbus A320neo.

Following the event, the aircraft was removed from service and remains grounded in New Delhi.

Key flight details include:

• Flight number: AI2379
• Date: August 4, 2026
• Route: Phuket to Delhi
• Aircraft type: Airbus A320neo
• Registration: VT-EXO

Reuters reported that Airbus also found the aircraft experienced forces beyond specified limits during the altitude excursion. The jet has since undergone inspections for possible structural damage.

Air India has additionally reviewed hydraulic system maintenance logs from the month preceding the incident.

Black box data points to hydraulic failure

Separate reporting by NDTV, citing information retrieved from the aircraft's Digital Flight Data Recorder, indicated the loss of flight controls was linked to hydraulic system failure.

According to the broadcaster, data suggested the simultaneous failure of all three hydraulic systems resulted in the temporary loss of critical control functions.

The report also noted the aircraft's autopilot disconnected during the incident. Pilots attempted manual recovery, but flight control surfaces remained unresponsive until hydraulic functionality returned.

The sudden recovery and subsequent nose-down movement contributed to injuries among passengers and cabin crew, particularly individuals who were not restrained at the time.

Authorities classify event as serious incident

Air India initially described the occurrence as a turbulence-related loss of altitude. However, Indian authorities have subsequently classified the event as a serious incident, reflecting the scale of the operational disruption and the ongoing technical investigation.

The airline said it continues to cooperate with authorities and provide all required information to investigators.

As the inquiry progresses, attention remains focused on identifying the root cause of the apparent hydraulic failure and determining whether any broader safety actions may be required for affected aircraft systems.