New Delhi, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The pilot-in-command of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suffered a sudden altitude loss of around 300 feet last week has reportedly tested positive for a narcotic substance in a confirmatory drug test, according to reports on Tuesday.
Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320, was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it encountered severe turbulence and abruptly lost around 300 feet in altitude. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi, while several passengers and cabin crew members were injured.
Following the incident, the pilot-in-command underwent a confirmatory drug test after an initial post-flight screening for psychoactive substances returned a non-negative result, requiring further analysis.
The reported development comes as the investigation into the incident continues. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already removed the flight crew from the flying roster pending the outcome of its investigation.
However, aviation industry representatives have urged caution in interpreting the reported test result until it is officially confirmed.
Captain Sam Thomas, president of the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPAI), said the pilots’ body had repeatedly advised its members that commonly used medicines and dietary supplements could potentially affect post-flight drug screening results.
Captain C.S. Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots, said the airline had not officially released the confirmatory test results and declined to comment on reports that the pilot had tested positive.
“Currently, the doping test results are not out officially by the airline, so we will wait for the official confirmation. I won’t comment that the test is positive,” he said.
Randhawa added that if a positive result is officially established, possible consequences could include cancellation of the pilot’s licence, along with penalties and other measures that could affect the pilot’s career.
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