A pilot from Air India's Phuket-to-Delhi flight that experienced severe turbulence last week has reportedly failed an initial drug screening test, though final confirmation is still pending.
The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 has likely tested positive for psychoactive substances during post-flight screening conducted in Delhi, according to sources cited by NDTV. However, authorities have emphasized that this initial result requires confirmation through further testing before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. The civil aviation ministry stated that a confirmatory test is underway at a designated laboratory, with a final report still awaited.
Air India has declined to comment on the preliminary findings, stating that test results have not yet been officially shared with the airline. Both pilots involved in the flight have been removed from the flight roster pending completion of the investigation. The airline confirmed it conducts regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with aviation regulations and pledged continued cooperation with relevant authorities.
The screening test assumes additional significance given the circumstances of flight AI2379 on August 4. The aircraft carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members experienced severe turbulence while traveling from Phuket to Delhi, resulting in a sudden loss of altitude of 300 feet during cruise. The incident, classified as "serious" by authorities, lasted approximately five minutes and left at least 13 passengers and four crew members injured. Two crew members sustained spinal injuries, though all passengers were discharged following brief hospital stays.
Under civil aviation regulations, crew members testing positive for drugs for the first time must undergo rehabilitation and obtain a negative test result before returning to service. Subsequent violations carry escalating penalties, including a three-year license suspension on second offense and permanent cancellation on third offense. The aviation watchdog has launched a formal inquiry, with the aircraft secured and flight data recorders preserved for investigation.
