Did Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot Test Positive In Dope Test? What Happened After 300 Feet Drop Amid Turbulence?

Published 9 August 2026 · local

News india Did Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot Test Positive In Dope Test? What Happened After 300 Feet Drop Amid Turbulence? Did Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot

News india Did Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot Test Positive In Dope Test? What Happened After 300 Feet Drop Amid Turbulence? Did Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot Test Positive In Dope Test? What Happened After 300 Feet Drop Amid Turbulence? Published By, Last Updated: August 09, 2026, 08:01 IST Air India’s Phuket-Delhi pilot reportedly tested positive in a post-flight dope test after a 300-foot altitude drop, a report has claimed. DGCA is probing the turbulence incident. Air India Phuket-Delhi flight pilot reportedly tests positive in post-flight dope test after 300-foot altitude drop (Video screengrabs) The captain operating Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight that encountered turbulence and suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude on August 4 has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight dope test, The Times of India reported, citing multiple sources. The reported test was conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi. However, Air India has neither confirmed nor denied the reported positive result, saying the results of the post-flight screening have not been shared with the airline. “We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings," the report quoted an Air India spokesperson as saying. The airline also stressed that it conducts regular drug testing of its crew members as part of its compliance with civil aviation regulations and that such tests are not necessarily connected to any particular flight or operational incident. ALSO READ | Air India’s New Pilot Framework: Senior First Officers Must Join AI Express For Command Roles “Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident.

We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required," the airline said. The reported dope-test result comes as aviation authorities investigate the August 4 turbulence incident, in which the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude, leaving passengers and crew members injured. What Happened On The Phuket-Delhi Air India Flight Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered turbulence during its journey on August 4. According to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the aircraft experienced turbulence for around four to five minutes. The flight had 137 passengers and eight crew members on board. The aircraft suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude during turbulence. A senior DGCA official had earlier said the pilot in command reported a severe injury to one cabin crew member, an injury to another and minor injuries to a few passengers following the sudden loss of altitude. Naidu said some crew members suffered spinal and neck injuries and that doctors had advised them to rest. “The plane had to travel for one more hour and even through that hour, the crew members provided all the assistance required. It was very brave. I want to thank them for the bravery they have shown," the Civil Aviation Minister said, according to PTI. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the incident. Air India Passengers, Crew Members Were Injured At least 17 people, 13 passengers and four cabin crew members, were admitted to hospital after the turbulence incident. Air India said that all 13 passengers who had been admitted to hospital had been discharged by 3.30 pm on August 5.