New Delhi, Aug. 10 – India’s civil aviation ministry said Sunday the Air India captain of the Phuket to New Delhi flight AI2379 returned an initial psychoactive substance screening result requiring confirmatory laboratory testing after sudden altitude loss. The update intensifies focus on Air India flight safety, pilot drug testing, and aviation regulatory compliance.
On August 4, Air India A320 VT-EXO operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced sudden loss of about 300 feet during cruise before stabilizing and landing safely at Delhi. Under standard procedure, both pilots underwent post-flight psychoactive screening. The pilot-in-command’s result triggered verification, with samples sent to a designated laboratory awaiting final report.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation removed both crew from the roster pending investigation. The occurrence is classified as a serious incident and is investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The ministry did not disclose what substance, if any, the initial screening indicated, emphasizing that confirmatory testing is required.
Air India said it knew post-flight screening was conducted per safety protocols but had not received results and could not comment. The airline stressed regular crew drug testing compliance and cooperation with authorities. The case adds to heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation sector amid ongoing safety investigations and DGCA reviews.