Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: What We Know About the Pilot’s Reported Positive Dope Test
An Air India flight that suffered a sudden mid-air drop in altitude on August 4 is now facing fresh scrutiny after reports emerged that the pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight dope test. The development has added a new dimension to the ongoing investigation into the turbulence incident, which left more than a dozen passengers and crew members injured.
An Air India flight that suffered a sudden mid-air drop in altitude on August 4 is now facing fresh scrutiny after reports emerged that the pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight dope test. The development has added a new dimension to the ongoing investigation into the turbulence incident, which left more than a dozen passengers and crew members injured.
What Happened On August 4
Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence during cruise on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, suddenly lost nearly 300 feet in altitude before continuing normally and landing safely in Delhi. Air India Flight AI2379 Turbulence Incident: Passenger Shilpi Jain Alleges Crew Asked Not To Film To Protect Reputation (Video).
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the turbulence lasted around four to five minutes. A senior official with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said one cabin crew member suffered a serious injury, while another crew member and several passengers also sustained injuries, reported TOI.
In all, 17 people were taken to hospital following the incident, comprising 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Air India said all 13 hospitalised passengers had been discharged by 3:30 pm the following day, and that its teams remained in contact with those affected. Air India Flight AI2379 From Phuket to Delhi Hits Turbulence, Several Passengers Injured (Videos).
Injuries Among The Crew
Some crew members reportedly suffered spinal and neck injuries and were advised by doctors to rest. Naidu praised the cabin crew for continuing to assist passengers for the remainder of the flight despite their injuries, calling their conduct brave.
The Reported Dope Test Result
The pilot of the flight has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight dope test, according to a Times of India report citing multiple sources. The test was said to have been conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi. Air India has not confirmed the result.
The reported finding has raised fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding the sudden altitude loss, even as aviation authorities continue to investigate the broader turbulence incident.
Background: India's Dope Testing Rules For Pilots
India has mandated random testing of pilots and other aviation personnel for psychoactive substances as part of its flight safety protocols. Under DGCA rules, aviation staff who test positive for the first time are typically sent for rehabilitation and can resume duties only after producing a negative test result along with a fitness certificate. Individual airlines retain discretion to impose stricter measures, including termination, even for first-time violations.
What's Next
Air India has said it is fully cooperating with the investigation into the AI2379 incident, and that the aircraft manufacturer has also been notified. With the pilot's reported dope test result now part of the scrutiny, authorities are expected to examine whether it had any bearing on the sudden loss of altitude during the flight.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2026 10:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
