3 weeks ago
Air India Pilot Reportedly Fails Dope Test After Turbulent Flight
An airplane was flying from Phuket to Delhi when it suddenly hit very bumpy air, called turbulence.
The plane suddenly dropped about 300 feet, and people were knocked around the cabin.
There were 137 passengers and 8 crew members on board, and 17 people were hurt and had to go to the hospital.
The plane landed safely in Delhi, and all the passengers were allowed to go home after a short hospital stay.
After landing, the pilots took drug tests, because aviation rules require a screening after big incidents.
News reports say the captain's first test came back positive, but this is not confirmed yet.
The airline says it has not seen the test results, and a second, more careful test is still being done.
Both pilots have been stopped from flying while investigators look into what happened.
A passenger complained that his elderly family members were hurt and that there was not enough medical help after landing.
India's aviation safety office is investigating the whole incident to help keep future flights safe.
Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 (VT-EXO) flying from Phuket to Delhi, suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude during severe turbulence near Odisha on August 4 (one report cites August 5).
The captain's initial post-flight screening for psychoactive substances reportedly indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing, and the sample has been sent to a designated laboratory for analysis.
At least 17 people — 13 passengers and four cabin crew — were injured; all 13 passengers were discharged by 3:30 pm on August 5, and some crew members suffered spinal and neck injuries.
Both pilots have been de-rostered while the DGCA investigates crew handling, whether the incident was weather-related, and the decision not to divert the flight.
A passenger filed a complaint with the DGCA via the AirSewa portal alleging inadequate medical help after landing and questioning why the flight was not diverted to a closer airport.
- Who
- The captain and crew of Air India flight AI2379, its 137 passengers, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- What
- The Phuket-Delhi flight hit severe turbulence near Odisha, suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude and injured at least 17 people; the captain's initial post-flight substance screening reportedly indicated a result requiring confirmatory analysis.
- Where
- Over airspace near Odisha en route from Phuket to Delhi; the aircraft landed in New Delhi, India.
- When
- August 4, 2026 (one report cites August 5), with the sudden drop occurring around 9:30 am IST; the reported dope-test outcome emerged around August 9-10, 2026.
- Why
- Severe turbulence caused the sudden loss of altitude; the DGCA is investigating crew handling, the reported dope test, and the decision not to divert the flight.
Passengers and Critics
Airline and Officials
Reported positive dope test
Passengers and Critics
News reports citing sources claim the captain tested positive for psychoactive substances in the post-flight screening, with some reports saying the substance detected was marijuana.
Airline and Officials
The Civil Aviation Ministry says the initial screening only indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing; neither Air India nor the DGCA has officially confirmed a positive result, and the airline says the test results have not been shared with it.
Decision not to divert the flight
Passengers and Critics
A passenger complained to the DGCA questioning why the aircraft was not diverted to a closer airport such as Varanasi or Lucknow despite elderly injured passengers on board.
Airline and Officials
Air India says the aircraft landed safely in New Delhi and that affected passengers and crew received necessary medical assistance; the DGCA is examining whether a diversion was warranted.
Crew conduct and post-landing medical response
Passengers and Critics
The passenger alleged no immediate medical help — no wheelchair, ambulance, water or adequately informed staff — was available after landing and that the pilot warned passengers against recording videos.
Airline and Officials
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu praised the crew as brave, saying they provided all required assistance during the remaining hour of the flight despite their own injuries; Air India says passenger safety remains its highest priority and is reviewing the complaint.
Key facts
- Flight
- AI2379
- Aircraft
- Airbus A320 (VT-EXO)
- Route
- Phuket to Delhi
- Incident date
- August 4, 2026 (one report cites August 5)
- Altitude lost
- Approximately 300 feet
- People on board
- 137 passengers (including 3 infants) and 8 crew members
- Injured
- At least 17 people (13 passengers, 4 cabin crew)
- Dope test status
- Initial screening 'not negative'; confirmatory analysis pending
Quotes
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu
Indian Civil Aviation Minister
“"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."”
republicworld.com
thehansindia.com
NDTV
news18.com
“Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required.”
news18.com
news18.com
Sources
Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot's Dope Test 'Not Negative', Sent For Confirmatory Analysis
Dope Test Failed? Air India Pilot Tests Positive After Phuket-Delhi Flight Drops 300 Feet; DGCA Probes
After Altitude Drop… Phuket-Delhi pilot flags positive in initial dope test
Air India Pilot Likely Fails Dope Test After Turbulence-Hit Flight: Sources
Air India flight turbulence: Pilot undergoes dope test
Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Pilot Fails Dope Test After Turbulence Incident, Taken Off Flying Duties: Reports
Air India Pilot Likely Failed Dope Test After Turbulence-Hit Flight: Sources
Did Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot Test Positive In Dope Test? What Happened After 300 Feet Drop Amid Turbulence?
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