Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: Captain Fails Post-Flight Dope Test, Airline Issues Statement as DGCA Probes Incident

Reports have emerged that the captain of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi, which encountered severe turbulence and injured 17 people, may have failed a post flight dope test. The Airbus A320 operating flight AI2379 on 4 August experienced a sudden drop of about 300 feet near Odisha, leading to hospitalisation of 13 passengers and four crew members.

Air India Statement on Drug Screening

Air India confirmed that a post flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in line with applicable protocols. However, the airline stated that the results have not been shared with it and it is therefore not in a position to comment on any findings. The carrier noted that it undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of specific incidents. Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: What We Know About the Pilot’s Reported Positive Dope Test.

Air India Issues Statement on Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident

➡️ Air India statement on reports that the Captain flying the Phuket-Delhi flight (in which 17 people were injured in turbulence) FAILED a dope test upon landing.

➡️Complete silence from the regulator and ministry on the impact of this on investigations or even whether this is…

— Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV) August 9, 2026

Air Investigation and Crew Status

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is probing the incident, examining factors such as weather, handling of the turbulence and any aircraft impact. Both pilots have been taken off flying duties pending the enquiry. Sources indicate the positive result relates to the post arrival screening. Air India Flight AI2379 Turbulence Incident: Passenger Shilpi Jain Alleges Crew Asked Not To Film To Protect Reputation (Video).

DGCA rules require first time positive tests to lead to de addiction and rehabilitation before a return to duty, with stricter penalties for subsequent failures. Questions remain about whether pilot condition contributed to the altitude drop or if the turbulence event was mishandled. Further clarity is expected as authorities continue their investigation.