The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating a serious safety incident involving an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi, after the pilot-in-command allegedly left the cockpit during the flight and attempted to smoke inside the passenger cabin, according to reports.

The incident reportedly came to light after the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude, injuring 20 passengers and four cabin crew members.

According to a Times of India report, the pilot allegedly entered the passenger cabin, sat on the floor near an emergency exit and asked members of the cabin crew for a lighter. Crew members reportedly intervened and asked him to return to the cockpit.

The circumstances surrounding the pilot's alleged conduct are now part of the DGCA investigation.

Flight Suffered Sudden Altitude Drop

The incident occurred during the Phuket-Delhi flight when the aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet in altitude.

The sudden change in altitude resulted in injuries to passengers and crew members onboard.

The DGCA subsequently began examining the circumstances of the incident, including the aircraft's operation, the actions of the cockpit crew and the events surrounding the altitude change.

The alleged conduct of the pilot inside the passenger cabin has added another dimension to the investigation.

Pilot Tests Positive for Marijuana

The pilot-in-command has reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test, according to CNN-News18.

Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive-substance screening following the incident.

The initial screening of the pilot-in-command reportedly required further confirmation, following which the sample was sent to a designated laboratory. The confirmatory test subsequently returned a positive result for marijuana.

The pilot has reportedly told investigators that he had been taking prescribed sleeping medication because of personal problems and suggested that the medication may have contributed to the test result.

That explanation is now being examined as part of the investigation, and no final conclusion has been reached regarding the cause of the positive test.

Both Pilots Removed From Duty

Air India has removed both pilots from flying duties while the investigation continues.

The airline said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour that could compromise the safety of passengers and crew members.

Air India has also said it is cooperating with the DGCA investigation.

The action comes as aviation authorities increase scrutiny of safety procedures and psychoactive-substance testing involving flight crew.

Government Orders Review

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken a serious view of the incident.

Aviation Secretary Samir Sinha has asked Air India to take responsibility for the matter and said that anyone found guilty following the investigation would face action.

The government has also directed the DGCA to review existing drug-testing procedures for pilots and other aviation personnel.

The review is expected to examine whether mandatory screening procedures need to be strengthened and whether tougher penalties should be introduced for confirmed violations.

Authorities have also called for further assessment of cases where prescribed medicines could potentially affect test results.

Air India CEO Questioned

The incident comes at a time when the government is already increasing scrutiny of Air India's safety and operational practices.

Outgoing Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was summoned to the Ministry of Civil Aviation headquarters on Tuesday.

Officials reportedly questioned Wilson about the AI2379 incident and discussed broader safety and operational concerns involving the airline.

The meeting forms part of the government's wider review of Air India's operations as aviation authorities examine recent incidents involving the carrier.

DGCA Probe Underway

The DGCA investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the flight, including the reported cockpit departure, the alleged attempt to smoke in the cabin and the pilot's reported drug-test result.

Investigators will also examine whether aviation regulations or airline safety procedures were breached.

Until the inquiry is completed, the allegations against the pilot remain subject to investigation. The final findings will determine whether disciplinary or regulatory action is warranted.