Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: Airline To Screen All Pilots for Drugs

Air India will begin mandatory screening of all its pilots for prohibited substances and medications, following a serious incident involving a Phuket-Delhi flight in which the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude. The expanded testing will go beyond existing regulatory requirements and begins Thursday, according to an internal communication reviewed by Reuters.

The move comes after the pilot-in-command of the August 4 flight underwent post-flight screening that initially indicated the need for confirmatory testing. A later report has indicated a positive result for marijuana. Air India Phuket-Delhi Turbulence: Final Drug Report Awaited, Crew Members Taken Off Roster, Says Govt.

Air India Expands Pilot Drug Testing

Under the new initiative, all Air India pilots will be screened for substances and medications that are not permitted under prevailing aviation regulations. The airline's internal communication said the additional testing is being introduced as a safety measure and will exceed the current regulatory requirements.

Air India already conducts drug testing of crew members in accordance with civil aviation regulations. The new policy expands the scope of screening to cover its entire pilot workforce. Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: Captain Fails Post-Flight Dope Test, Airline Issues Statement as DGCA Probes Incident.

What Happened on the Phuket-Delhi Flight?

On August 4, Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet while cruising.

The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. The flight was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. Reports said 20 passengers and four crew members were injured during the incident. The incident was classified as a serious incident and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Pilot's Drug Test Under Scrutiny

Following the incident, both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive-substance screening. The initial test of the pilot-in-command produced a result that required further laboratory confirmation.

The pilot was subsequently reported to have tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory test. The finding has added a new dimension to the investigation, although it does not by itself establish that substance use caused the aircraft's altitude loss. Both pilots were removed from the roster pending the outcome of the investigation.

AAIB Probe Continues

The aircraft's sudden altitude loss remains under investigation by the AAIB. The original government account said the aircraft stabilised after the incident and continued safely to Delhi.

The investigation is expected to examine multiple factors, including the aircraft's operation, weather and turbulence conditions, crew actions and the results of the pilots' medical and substance screenings.

Focus on Aviation Safety

Air India's expanded testing comes amid increased scrutiny of pilot fitness and operational safety in India's aviation sector. The airline has said it will cooperate with the authorities investigating the Phuket-Delhi incident. The latest move is intended to provide an additional layer of screening for pilots and ensure compliance with restrictions on substances and medications that could affect flight operations.

The investigation into the August 4 incident remains ongoing, and further findings from aviation authorities will be important in determining the factors that led to the aircraft's sudden loss of altitude.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 03:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).