Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot's Dope Test 'Not Negative', Sent For Confirmatory Analysis
News india Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot's Dope Test 'Not Negative', Sent For Confirmatory Analysis Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot's Dope Test 'Not Negative', Sent For Confirmatory
News india Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot's Dope Test 'Not Negative', Sent For Confirmatory Analysis Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot's Dope Test 'Not Negative', Sent For Confirmatory Analysis Published By, Last Updated: August 10, 2026, 07:51 IST Air India Phuket-Delhi pilot's initial dope screening has not come out to be negative, a report has claimed. The sample has been sent for confirmatory testing. Air India Phuket-Delhi flight pilot undergoes dope test after 300-foot altitude drop. The pilot-in-command (PIC) of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise on August 4 underwent a psychoactive substance screening test after the incident, with the initial result described as “not negative", The Times of India (TOI) reported, citing the Civil Aviation Ministry. The result was sent for confirmatory testing, with the final report awaited. The development comes days after Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320, experienced the sudden loss of altitude while flying from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi, although a few passengers and cabin crew members reported injuries during the occurrence. What The ‘Not Negative’ Test Result Means The captain was subjected to a psychoactive substance, or dope, screening test after the flight landed.
The initial screening result was “not negative" and has been sent for confirmatory tests. The Civil Aviation Ministry, in its statement on Sunday, said the screening test of the Pilot-in-Command “indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing". ALSO READ | ‘He Seemed Intoxicated’: Passenger On Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Says Pilot’s ‘Gait Didn’t Look Right’ The ministry said the sample was accordingly sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis. The final report was awaited. The initial screening result, therefore, does not by itself establish that the pilot tested positive for a prohibited substance. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the confirmatory test and the ongoing investigation. Both Pilots Taken Off Roster Following the incident, both flight crew members underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening as required under standard operating procedures. The ministry said that pending the investigation and completion of the prescribed testing process, both pilots have been taken off the roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). ALSO READ | Air India Turbulence Threw Passengers Off Seats: Videos Show Horror On Phuket-Delhi Flight After 300-Feet Drop “Pending investigation and completion of the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off roster by the DGCA," the ministry said.
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