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Air India Pilot Likely Fails Dope Test After Turbulence-Hit Flight: Sources

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 09 Aug 2026 1 hour ago

The pilot who flew the turbulence-hit Air India aircraft from Phuket to Delhi last week has likely failed a dope test, said sources. However, it’s not a conclusive confirmation since a second test has been taken and the results are still pending. Air India has neither confirmed nor denied the report.

The pilot-in-command of an Air India jetliner hit by some severe turbulence on the way from Phuket to Delhi has reportedly tested positive to containing psychoactive substances in a post-flight test, according to sources.

The airline stated that it was aware a post-flight screen was conducted of the pilots, as required. It, however, noted that the test results were not made available to the airline and thus it could not comment on the results.

“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,” said a spokesperson.

Both pilots have been stopped from the flight roster and an inquiry into the incident is underway.

Independent of any flight incidence, Air India said that they perform regular drug testing of their air crew members as per civil aviation regulations. The airline also stated that it would remain cooperative with the concerned authorities.

According to the rules, if a crew member tests positive for drugs, he will be referred to rehabilitation and must submit a negative drug test before returning to duty. If a pilot is suspended from a flight due to a breach of the rules, his or her licence may be cancelled the next time the rules are violated.

The incident happened on Air India flight AI2379, flying from Phuket to Delhi on Aug 4 carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members.

The air was turbulent and their plane plummeted during the flight. At least 13 passengers and four crew members were injured, according to the airline.

Two crewmen were reportedly injured in their spine. The turbulence lasted for about five minutes, said Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.

After the crash, the aviation authorities began an investigation and the aircraft was taken to a hangar. The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder were also recovered for further investigation.

The reported dope-test result is thus part of a continuing investigation and should not be regarded as a confirmed result in the absence of the completion of the pending test and official inquiry.

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