The occurrence has been classified as a ‘serious Incident’ and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The confirmatory dope test results of the pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suffered a sudden loss of altitude are awaited after his initial psychoactive-substance screening indicated a result requiring further testing, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Sunday.Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft VT-EXO, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4 before stabilising and subsequently landing safely in Delhi.The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.According to the Ministry, both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive-substance screening test as part of the standard operating procedure following the occurrence.The screening test of the pilot-in-command indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have subsequently been sent to a designated laboratory and the final report is awaited.‘serious Incident’The occurrence has been classified as a ‘serious Incident’ and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).Pending completion of the investigation and prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off the roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).“Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results,” the Ministry said.The development comes as the AAIB investigates the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of altitude and injuries reported on board the aircraft.The Ministry said the aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi, while injuries were reported among a few passengers and cabin crew members.The official statement did not provide details of the substance indicated by the initial screening test or the nature of the result requiring confirmatory analysis.On its part, Air India said it was aware that a post-flight screening test had been conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the airline said the results of the test had not been shared with it and, therefore, it was not in a position to comment on any findings.Air India said it undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident.“We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” an Air India spokesperson said.Published on August 9, 2026
