New Delhi, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The final confirmatory report of the psychoactive substance test conducted on the pilot-in-command of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden loss of altitude during its Phuket-Delhi journey is awaited, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Sunday.
The ministry said both pilots have been removed from the roster pending completion of the investigation and the prescribed testing process.
Air India’s A320 aircraft, VT-EXO, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude while cruising. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. The incident left several passengers and cabin crew members injured.
The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
According to the ministry, both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening as part of the standard procedure followed after such incidents. The initial screening of the pilot-in-command produced a result that required confirmatory testing.
The sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory, with the final report still awaited.
“Pending investigation and completion of the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off roster by the DGCA. Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results,” the ministry said.
The incident has been classified as a serious incident and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also kept both crew members off duty until the investigation and prescribed testing procedures are completed.
The latest development follows the severe turbulence encountered by the Air India flight during its journey from Phuket to Delhi, which resulted in injuries to passengers and members of the cabin crew.
The authorities are awaiting the confirmatory test results before deciding on any further action against the flight crew.
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