Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot Was High on Marijuana During Flight; Fails 2nd Dope Confirmatory Test

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND (PIC) operating the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, which experienced a turbulence-led altitude loss of about 300 feet and led to 17 passengers being injured, was high on marijuana, as the pilot failed his second confirmatory dope test. Additionally, the flight's cabin crew had filed a complaint to the airline, alleging that the pilot was "high" onboard.

The Air India Phuket-Delhi flight experienced severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during which it experienced a sudden loss of altitude of about 300 feet and injured 17 passengers. The flight’s PIC was subjected to a psychoactive substance screening test, colloquially known as a “dope screening test, " as per protocol. The pilot’s preliminary drug test had returned “non-negative”, a government release earlier said. “The pilot in question has tested positive in the confirmatory test. He has tested positive for Marijuana,” an official told Hindustan Times.

What the Civil Aviation Ministry Has Said About the Air India Phuket-Delhi Turbulence Incident

The Civil Ministry described the turbulence-related incident involving the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight as a “serious incident,” and stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will  begin a probe into the matter.

"As standard operating procedures following such an occurrence, both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test. The screening test in respect of the pilot-in-command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited," the ministry stated.

“The occurrence has been classified as a serious incident and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB),” the ministry statement continued. Earlier, the ministry had said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was investigating the matter.

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Both pilots, the flight’s Captain (PIC) and First Officer, have been removed from the roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) pending the outcome of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) probe.

What Happened During the Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight?

The Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, an Airbus 320 aircraft operating as AI 2379, took off from the Phuket International Airport in Thailand on August 4, 2026, with its destination being New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International IGI) Airport, with 137 passengers including eight crew members onboard. During its cruise over Odisha at an altitude of over 36,000 feet, the flight experienced severe turbulence, leading to the aircraft losing altitude of about 300 feet.

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The sudden altitude loss resulted in several passengers sustaining injuries, with many reportedly flung towards the flight’s ceiling and its rear. After the turbulence-related incident, the flight landed safely in Delhi. 17 passengers were injured, with many requiring hospitalization.

What Happens Next Under DGCA Protocol

As per DGCA norms, if the results of a pilot's dope test are non-negative, the employee shall be immediately removed from duty until a confirmatory report is received. In case the confirmatory test turns out to be positive, the concerned employee is referred by their concerned organization for de-addiction, and can only return to service with a negative dope test report.

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Investigators are also probing reported technical issues, an autopilot disconnect, triple hydraulic failures and a stall warning, to determine if these were linked to the altitude loss. France's BEA and Airbus are assisting under ICAO protocols.

Separately, outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson was summoned by the Civil Aviation Ministry over the incident and Air India's broader safety practices.

(This is an updated version of the story.)

(Edited by Agniva Ray)

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