Air India Pilot Faces Confirmatory Drug Screening Following Mid-Air Altitude Loss
Civil aviation authorities have ordered secondary psychoactive substance testing for an Air India pilot after a sudden 300-foot descent during a flight from Phuket. The pilot-in-command and co-pilot are currently grounded pending results of a federal investigation.
Key takeaways
- An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude loss during a flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, 2026.
- The pilot-in-command is undergoing confirmatory psychoactive substance testing after initial screening required further analysis.
- Both flight crew members have been grounded by the DGCA pending the outcome of the investigation.
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has officially classified the event as a serious incident.
What Happened
On August 4, 2026, Air India flight AI2379 experienced a sudden loss of altitude while cruising from Phuket to Delhi. The Airbus A320 dropped approximately 300 feet before the crew regained stability and completed the flight to the Indian capital. The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed that while the aircraft landed safely, the incident resulted in injuries to several passengers and cabin crew members.
Following standard operating protocols for serious aviation occurrences, both flight crew members were subjected to psychoactive substance screening. The pilot-in-command's initial test necessitated further analysis, prompting officials to send the sample to a specialized laboratory for confirmatory testing. Results from this secondary analysis remain pending.
Key Facts
- Flight Details: Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320, was traveling from Phuket to Delhi with 137 passengers and eight crew members.
- The Incident: The aircraft lost 300 feet of altitude during the cruise phase of the flight.
- Regulatory Action: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has removed both the pilot and co-pilot from active flight rosters.
- Official Investigation: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has classified the event as a serious incident and is conducting a formal inquiry.
What Happens Next
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that any disciplinary or legal actions will depend on the final laboratory report regarding the pilot's screening and the findings of the AAIB investigation. The grounded crew members will remain off-duty until these processes conclude.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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