Further lab test results awaited, says Aviation Ministry after reports of flight captain testing positive for drugs

Representational image only. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu The Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) that it was awaiting the drug test results for the captain of an Air India flight that dropped about 300 feet mid-air last week, injuring 24 passengers and crew members.The incident on the Airbus A320 took place shortly after it took off on August 4 from Phuket, Thailand to New Delhi while carrying 137 passengers, including three infants and eight crew members. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in New Delhi, officials said.The incident has come under intense scrutiny after some media reports, quoting unnamed sources, said that the captain may have tested positive for marijuana in a follow-up drug screening.Following the incident, both pilots underwent routine screening for psychoactive substances after the flight landed, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement. Psychoactive substances include alcohol, drugs or other substances that can affect judgment and alertness.The Ministry said the captain’s initial test result required further laboratory confirmation and that both pilots were removed from flying duties pending the inquiry.An official who spoke on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said details of the drug screening would be included in the investigation report once it is completed.India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, or AAIB, is reviewing flight data, aircraft systems, maintenance and operational records, medical information, and conducting interviews as part of an independent investigation.The Ministry said that under international aviation rules, France’s air accident investigation agency, BEA, and aircraft manufacturer Airbus are assisting Indian investigators. They are providing technical expertise, aircraft design information and other documents to help determine what caused the incident, it added. Published - August 12, 2026 08:09 pm IST