Dope Test Failed? Air India Pilot Tests Positive After Phuket-Delhi Flight Drops 300 Feet; DGCA Probes

New Delhi: In a dramatic development following a severe in-flight incident, one of the two pilots operating an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi reportedly failed a post-flight dope test, according to sources. 

Both pilots have been de-rostered and taken off flying duties pending the outcome of an inquiry.

The incident occurred on August 5, 2026, when Air India Flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, encountered severe mid-air turbulence. 

During the ordeal, which lasted roughly five minutes over airspace near Odisha, the aircraft experienced a sudden, terrifying drop of 300 feet in altitude.

The sudden loss of altitude resulted in injuries to at least 17 individuals onboard, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. 

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu later confirmed that a few crew members sustained severe injuries, including spinal impacts near the tailbone and neck, and were advised extended medical rest.

Following standard protocol after major operational incidents, regulatory authorities conducted post-flight drug screening on the flight crew upon landing in Delhi. 

Sources revealed that one pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances during this post-arrival evaluation.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident to examine whether proper operational procedures were followed and if pilot handling contributed to the sudden altitude drop. 

A senior Ministry of Civil Aviation official noted that the DGCA’s findings will determine whether the case requires further escalation to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Responding to inquiries, an Air India spokesperson stated that the official results of the drug test have not yet been formally communicated to the airline.

"We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the test results have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings. Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required," the Air India spokesperson said.

Captain CS Randhawa, President of Federation of Indian Pilots, also maintained that the test results have not yet been confirmed and urged people not to jump to any conclusion

Captain CS Randhawa stated, “Regarding the Air India flight that was arriving in Delhi from Phuket, it has been revealed that the pilot underwent a psychoactive substance test after landing. It has not yet been confirmed whether the pilot tested positive; until the report is available, it would be premature to claim a positive result, as there is currently no evidence to support it. The airline has not disclosed any information regarding a positive test result either; had the pilot tested positive, the airline would have informed the DGCA. Since that has not happened, I believe it would be inappropriate to jump to the conclusion that the pilot tested positive.”

On August 4, the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered turbulence, resulting in a brief change in altitude and leaving several passengers and crew members with minor injuries. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the incident, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said.

Also Read: 300 Feet Drop: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Encounters Mid Air Turbulence, Multiple Injuries Reported