An Air India flight travelling from Phuket to New Delhi experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude during cruise, prompting a formal aviation-safety investigation and additional testing of the pilot-in-command.

The incident occurred on August 4 aboard Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 registered as VT-EXO. The aircraft stabilised after the altitude loss and later landed safely in Delhi.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the flight was carrying 137 passengers—including three infants—and eight crew members. A few passengers and cabin-crew members reportedly suffered injuries during the incident. The ministry did not disclose their condition or the exact nature of the injuries.

Initial Screening Not a Final Finding

Both pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive-substance screening as part of the standard procedure followed after such incidents.

The pilot-in-command’s initial screening produced a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have been sent to a designated laboratory, and the final report is awaited.

The preliminary result must not be described as a confirmed positive drug test. The ministry has also not disclosed which substance, if any, may have been indicated.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has removed both pilots from the flying roster while the investigation continues.

AAIB Investigating ‘Serious Incident’

The occurrence has been classified as a “serious incident” and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

Air India said it was aware that the pilots had undergone post-flight screening but had not been informed of the results. The airline said it would cooperate with the investigating authorities.

The investigation will examine the aircraft’s flight data, cockpit actions and possible technical or operational factors behind the sudden altitude loss.

One of the two pilots operating an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi has reportedly tested positive in a post-flight drug screening following a severe turbulence incident on August 4. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, was caught in intense turbulence during the journey and suddenly dropped by around 300 feet. The incident left 17 people injured and caused damage to parts of the aircraft’s cabin ceiling. The reported drug-test result has now triggered further scrutiny as aviation authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to sources cited by India Today, both pilots underwent post-flight drug screening as part of the standard procedure after the aircraft landed. One of the pilots is reportedly said to have returned a positive result. The same sources said that both pilots have been removed from flying duties until the investigation is completed. However, the reported positive result has not been officially confirmed by Air India, and the airline has said that it has not received the test report. The development therefore remains part of an ongoing investigation rather than an established finding against the pilot.

The Air India aircraft was travelling from Phuket in Thailand to Delhi when it encountered severe turbulence. The sudden movement caused the aircraft to lose altitude by approximately 300 feet, according to information shared after the incident. The turbulence reportedly continued for around five minutes. Several passengers and crew members were injured during the episode, with 17 people later taken to hospital for medical attention. Images from the aircraft showed damage to sections of the cabin ceiling following the intense movement.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu had earlier said that the turbulence lasted for around five minutes. Such sudden changes in aircraft movement can cause serious injuries, particularly when passengers or crew members are not secured with seat belts. The incident also raised concerns about the impact of severe weather conditions and turbulence on passenger safety.

Air India has not confirmed or denied the report that one of the pilots failed the drug screening. The airline said that drug screening of pilots was conducted after the flight in accordance with established procedures, but the results have not yet been shared with the airline. Since Air India has not received the report, it said it was not in a position to comment on the reported result.

The airline also pointed out that drug screening is part of the broader regulatory framework for its crew. Under civil aviation rules, crew members are subject to regular drug testing, and such tests are not necessarily linked to a particular flight or incident. The airline said these screenings are conducted routinely as required under applicable regulations.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, is investigating the incident. The investigation is expected to examine several aspects, including the circumstances surrounding the turbulence, the aircraft's sudden loss of altitude, the injuries suffered by passengers and crew, and the procedures followed by the flight crew. The reported drug-test result could also become part of the investigation if it is formally communicated to the airline and aviation authorities.

At present, there is no official confirmation that the reported positive test contributed in any way to the turbulence incident or the aircraft's sudden descent. Turbulence itself is a known aviation hazard and can occur even during otherwise routine flights. A positive screening result, if officially confirmed, would have to be assessed separately under aviation regulations and established medical and testing procedures.

The incident has put renewed focus on pilot fitness, post-flight screening and safety protocols followed by airlines after serious in-flight events. With the DGCA investigation underway, authorities are expected to examine the available evidence before reaching any conclusion. Until the official reports are received and reviewed, the claim regarding the pilot's drug-test result remains unconfirmed.