New Delhi, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Air India on Sunday said it has not received the results of a post-flight drug screening of the captain of its Phuket-Delhi flight that encountered severe turbulence earlier this month, amid reports that the pilot allegedly tested positive for psychoactive substances.
The airline said it conducts regular drug testing of crew members in accordance with civil aviation regulations and confirmed that a post-flight screening of the pilots was conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi on August 4.
“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are, therefore, not in a position to comment on any findings,” an Air India spokesperson said.
The airline added that it would continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities.
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The Airbus A320 operating Flight AI2379 encountered severe turbulence while flying over Odisha and experienced a sudden altitude drop of about 300 feet before stabilising and landing safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
Air India said eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment following the incident, while other passengers received assistance.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the aircraft, registered as VT-EXO, experienced a momentary altitude variation during the flight. The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA are monitoring the investigation.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha also visited the hospital to enquire about the condition of injured passengers and assure them of necessary assistance.
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