1 hr ago
Air India Begins 100% Pilot Testing After Phuket Flight Incident
Air India is testing all of its pilots after a flight had a serious problem in the air.
The flight was traveling from Phuket to Delhi.
Its three hydraulic systems briefly lost pressure, which made the plane’s altitude change.
Twenty-four people were injured, and some parts of the cabin were damaged.
Investigators are still studying what happened.
Both pilots passed the alcohol breath test after the flight.
However, the pilot-in-command had a non-negative result for psychoactive substances in two tests.
Air India says the extra pilot testing is meant to make flying safer.
Air India announced voluntary testing of all its pilots after the AAIB released a preliminary incident report.
Flight AI-2379, traveling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a brief loss of all three hydraulic systems.
The hydraulic failure caused an altitude fluctuation, injured 24 people, and damaged parts of the cabin interior.
Both pilots tested negative in post-flight alcohol breath tests, but the pilot-in-command tested non-negative for psychoactive substances.
Air India said it will continue cooperating with the investigation and take action if safety or regulatory requirements were breached.
- Who
- Air India, its pilots, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are involved.
- What
- Air India began voluntary testing of 100% of its pilots after flight AI-2379 experienced a hydraulic-system failure and its pilot-in-command had non-negative psychoactive-substance test results.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Phuket to Delhi.
- When
- The incident occurred on August 4; Air India announced the testing after the preliminary report was released, with its statement dated September 4, 2026.
- Why
- Air India said the testing is an additional precaution to reinforce safety while technical and medical inquiries continue.
Key facts
- Airline
- Air India
- Flight
- AI-2379, traveling from Phuket to Delhi
- Incident
- A brief drop occurred in all three hydraulic systems
- Reported impact
- Twenty-four people were injured and sections of the cabin interior were damaged
- Alcohol tests
- Both pilots tested negative in post-flight breath-analyser tests
- Psychoactive-substance tests
- The pilot-in-command was non-negative during initial screening and laboratory confirmation
- New measure
- Voluntary testing of 100% of Air India's pilots
Quotes
Air India spokesperson
Spokesperson representing Air India
“Safety remains Air India’s highest priority. Our pilots undergo rigorous training, regular proficiency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory assessments in accordance with applicable national and international requirements. Following the incident, Air India has started voluntary testing of 100% of its pilots as a further step to reinforce its safety-first approach.”
financialexpress.com
“We acknowledge the release of the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and continue to extend our full cooperation to the investigation, including providing access to all relevant operational, maintenance and technical records.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
Related news
AAIB Flags Hydraulic Failure and Pilot Drug Test
AAIB Probes Air India Turbulence; Pilot's Confirmatory Drug Test Awaited
AAIB Reports Positive Pilot Substance Test After Air India Incident
Air India mandates drug screening for all pilots after Phuket flight
Air India Pilot Reportedly Fails Dope Test After Turbulent Flight
Air India pilots grounded after psychoactive substance test flagged
Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Loses Three Hydraulic Systems Midair
Interim Probe Says Air India Phuket Pilot Tested Positive
