Phuket-Delhi Air India pilot's confirmatory dope test comes positive after screening

The Pilot-in-Command of Air India flight AI2379 has tested positive for psychoactive substances in a confirmatory laboratory test, sources said on Tuesday, days after the Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude and left at least 17 passengers and crew members injured.Both pilots had undergone mandatory psychoactive substance screening after the August 4 incident. While the co-pilot’s screening did not raise a similar concern, the initial test of the Pilot-in-Command returned a result requiring further analysis.His sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory testing, which has now returned positive, sources said.Both pilots had already been taken off the flying roster pending completion of the investigation. AI2379 LOST 300 FEET DURING CRUISEAir India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 registered as VT-EXO, was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude during cruise.The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members. Thirteen passengers and four cabin crew members were taken to hospital after landing, with some crew members suffering spinal and neck injuries.The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.Air India initially described the occurrence as a brief turbulence-related event that caused a momentary change in altitude. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation subsequently classified it as a “serious incident” and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau began a formal probe.The aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been secured for examination.TECHNICAL GLITCHES ALSO UNDER PROBEThe investigation has widened following reports that the aircraft experienced multiple technical anomalies during the flight.Sources had earlier said the A320 suffered an autopilot disconnect, triple hydraulic failures and other technical and mechanical glitches.The co-pilot reportedly took manual control after the autopilot disconnected, following which a flight-control stall message appeared. Several indicator switches also briefly went off.Investigators are expected to examine whether these reported failures, the turbulence and the sudden loss of altitude were connected and establish the precise sequence of events.Under international aviation rules, Airbus and France’s aviation accident investigation agency BEA are also expected to assist the AAIB inquiry.AIR INDIA CEO QUESTIONEDThe development comes as the government steps up scrutiny of Air India over the incident.Outgoing Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was summoned to the Ministry of Civil Aviation headquarters on Tuesday, where the AI2379 incident and broader safety and operational concerns involving the airline were reviewed.Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the Civil Aviation Secretary and senior DGCA officials attended the discussions, according to sources.Air India has said it is cooperating with investigators and providing assistance to passengers and crew members affected by the incident.- EndsPublished By: Sonali VermaPublished On: Aug 11, 2026 18:23 IST