Air India's Delhi-Vienna flight plunges 900 feet mid-air, DGCA orders probe

A Vienna-bound Air India flight from Delhi experienced a sudden and severe loss of altitude mid-air on June 14, prompting an official investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), according to media reports.

The aircraft reportedly dropped nearly 900 feet during the incident, raising serious concerns over flight safety.

In a statement released, Air India confirmed that both cockpit crew members have been taken off duty pending the outcome of the probe. "Upon receipt of the pilot's report, the matter was immediately reported to the DGCA in line with regulatory requirements. After analysing data from the aircraft’s recorders, a detailed investigation was initiated," said an airline spokesperson.

The DGCA has since launched a full inquiry into the cause of the incident, with multiple factors — including technical malfunction, pilot error, and adverse weather — being considered.

This alarming episode comes just two days after a fatal crash involving another Air India aircraft departing from Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of all but one passenger. The back-to-back incidents have intensified scrutiny over the airline's operational and safety standards.

Recent safety audits by the DGCA had already flagged ongoing maintenance deficiencies and insufficient defect rectification across Air India’s fleet.

A series of technical snags reported earlier this month further fuelled concerns about the airline's maintenance protocols.

As the investigation continues, officials have indicated that enhanced safety checks and revisions to operational guidelines may be recommended to prevent future occurrences.