Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Pilot Who Tested Positive for Marijuana Was Also Taking Sleep Medication: Report
Air India pilot of the Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost 300 feet of altitude on August 4 was reportedly taking prescribed medication for sleep difficulties. The pilot also tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. Both pilots have been taken off roster as the investigation continues.
The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude on August 4 was taking prescribed medication for sleep difficulties, according to an internal flight safety report accessed by NDTV. The pilot has also tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, adding another layer to the investigation into the incident that left 24 passengers and crew members injured.
Flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320neo, was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it experienced the sudden altitude loss. Twenty passengers and four crew members were injured, with 17 of those injured reportedly requiring hospitalisation. The aircraft later landed safely in Delhi.
Pilot Says He Was Experiencing Sleep Difficulties
In his statement to the airline's flight safety team, the pilot said he had been experiencing sleep difficulties due to personal circumstances and had been prescribed medication by his family doctor. Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight AI-2379 Pilot Fails 2nd Dope Test for Marijuana, AAIB Probes 300-Foot Altitude Drop.
He said he attempted to rest during the Phuket layover but found it difficult to sleep. According to the statement, he decided to take a walk because he believed light activity would help improve his sleep.
The pilot also raised concerns about his roster. While saying the duties were within legally prescribed rest limits, he said the scheduling had compressed the amount of daytime rest available to him.
For the first flight, he had to report for duty at 12:10 am, requiring preparations to begin before 10 pm. After reaching Phuket, post-flight duties and the journey to the hotel reportedly took another 1.5 to two hours.
For the return flight, the pilot said he had to wake up at around 3 am IST.
Marijuana Found In Confirmatory Drug Test
The pilot's drug test has become a major focus of the investigation. An initial screening had returned a 'non-negative' result and the sample was subsequently sent for confirmatory testing. Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: Captain Fails Post-Flight Dope Test, Airline Issues Statement as DGCA Probes Incident.
The confirmatory test reportedly detected marijuana. The Indian Express reported that the result was positive for marijuana, while NDTV reported that the pilot had tested positive twice.
A positive confirmatory test does not by itself establish that the pilot was impaired while operating the flight. Under DGCA rules, the medical in-charge is required to consult a medical review officer to determine whether the result could be linked to legitimate therapeutic treatment or another source.
If the result is determined to be a case of drug abuse, disciplinary action can follow. A first offence can involve rehabilitation and further testing, while a second offence can result in a three-year suspension of the pilot's licence.
Pilot's Conduct Also Under Probe
The internal incident report reportedly indicates that the pilot was not seated in his position when the aircraft experienced the sudden altitude loss over Odisha. The co-pilot was in command at the time.
Sources cited by NDTV said the pilot later went into the cabin to check on injured passengers and allegedly asked people not to film him or the aircraft.
After the aircraft landed in Delhi, the pilot was reportedly unsteady on his feet and needed assistance. He was also physically assisted by an investigating officer while submitting his urine sample.
Both pilots have been removed from the roster pending the investigation.
What Happened During The Phuket Layover?
Sources said the pilot had also been involved in an incident during the earlier Delhi-to-Phuket flight. He reportedly went to the washroom and, as per procedure, asked a cabin attendant to occupy his seat temporarily.
The attendant was allegedly reprimanded by the pilot over their handling of the operation. Later, the pilot reportedly invited the crew to a party in Phuket as an attempt to make amends.
AAIB Examining Technical And Human Factors
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the August 4 incident. The probe is examining technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence, including the aircraft systems, flight data, maintenance records and statements from people involved.
The Indian Express reported that investigators are also examining possible issues involving the aircraft's hydraulic and control systems. Airbus and France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety are assisting with the investigation.
The AAIB has cautioned against drawing conclusions from isolated information while the investigation is underway. The agency said all relevant evidence would be examined before determining the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 03:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).