Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana after mid-air drop
A plane flying from Phuket in Thailand to Delhi in India suddenly dropped more than 300 feet in the sky.
That is about as high as a very tall building, and it would have been frightening for everyone on board.
After the flight, the main pilot took a special test to check for drugs.
The test showed the pilot had marijuana in their body.
Marijuana is a drug that can make people feel sleepy or less alert.
Flying a plane needs total attention, so this worried many people.
Safety officials started a bigger investigation after the test came back positive.
They also tested both pilots, which is part of the usual rules.
Many people wrote letters saying airlines should test pilots more often and follow safety rules strictly.
They believe being very careful will keep passengers safe.
Air India Flight AI2379, flying from Phuket to Delhi, fell over 300 feet mid-air.
The pilot-in-command of the flight tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test.
Both pilots on the flight underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening as part of standard operating procedures.
The incident prompted a wider investigation by aviation authorities.
Letter writers called for stronger drug testing coverage, stricter penalties, and zero tolerance for negligence in aviation safety.
- Who
- The pilot-in-command of Air India Flight AI2379, who tested positive for marijuana; both pilots on the flight were screened.
- What
- The aircraft fell over 300 feet mid-air, and the pilot-in-command later tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test, prompting a wider investigation.
- When
- Recently; letters referencing an article titled 'On a low' appeared in the newspaper around August 13.
- Where
- Mid-air on a flight from Phuket (Thailand) to Delhi (India).
- Why
- The mid-air drop and the positive drug test raised concerns about substance abuse among pilots and gaps in drug screening, leading to calls for stricter aviation safety measures.
- Airline
- Air India
- Flight number
- AI2379
- Route
- Phuket to Delhi
- Incident
- Aircraft fell over 300 feet mid-air
- Pilot-in-command test result
- Positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test
- Crew screening
- Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening (standard operating procedure)
- Investigation
- Wider investigation prompted by aviation authorities
- Reported concern
- Growing concern over substance abuse among pilots