New Delhi, August 9, 2026: A new development has emerged in the investigation into the Air India Phuket–Delhi flight that experienced a sudden loss of altitude during severe turbulence earlier this week. One of the pilots is reportedly said to have tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight dope test, according to sources cited by India Today, The New Indian Express and other media outlets. However, Air India has not confirmed the result, saying the test findings have not been shared with the airline.
The incident involves Air India flight AI2379, which was operating from Phuket to New Delhi on August 4. The Airbus A320neo, registered VT-EXO, was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. During the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden altitude loss of approximately 300 feet while cruising at high altitude.
17 people injured in mid-air incident
The turbulence caused passengers and crew members to be thrown around the cabin. Thirteen passengers and four cabin crew members were injured, with several requiring hospital evaluation and treatment. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 11:07 am.
Passengers described the episode as extremely frightening, with some reporting that people were thrown against the ceiling and overhead fixtures. Medical teams were waiting at Delhi airport, and injured passengers and crew were taken to hospitals for evaluation.
What the latest dope-test reports say
According to sources cited by India Today, one of the two pilots reportedly failed the post-flight dope test, and both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending the investigation. A source cited by The New Indian Express said that breathalyser tests were negative, while blood and urine screening reportedly produced a positive result that is now undergoing confirmatory testing at a certified laboratory.
However, this is where the story needs careful reporting.
Air India has not confirmed that the pilot tested positive. In a statement quoted by Hindustan Times and Economic Times, the airline said the post-flight screening was conducted according to applicable protocols, but the results had not been shared with Air India, meaning the airline was not in a position to comment on the findings.
Air India also said that it routinely conducts drug testing of crew members in accordance with civil aviation regulations, independently of individual flight incidents, and that it would continue cooperating with the relevant authorities.
DGCA investigation continues
The incident itself is already under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were secured for detailed examination, while the aircraft was moved to a hangar.
The investigation is expected to establish why the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and whether the event was solely related to severe turbulence or whether any other factor contributed.
Important clarification
At present, it would be incorrect to report that the pilot definitely failed a drug test as a confirmed fact. The accurate position as of August 9, 2026 is:
Sources report a positive post-flight screening result involving one pilot, but Air India says it has not received the test results and cannot comment on the findings. A confirmatory process and the broader aviation investigation are still underway.
