Air India pilot's psychoactive substance test requires confirmation after altitude-loss incident
An Air India pilot is undergoing confirmatory psychoactive substance testing following a mid-air altitude loss incident on a flight from Phuket to Delhi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has removed the flight crew from duty while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau conducts a formal investigation into the event.
Why it matters
This incident highlights critical aviation safety protocols regarding pilot health and the rigorous regulatory oversight required to maintain passenger safety in commercial air travel.
The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden loss of altitude during a Phuket-Delhi flight has undergone confirmatory testing after an initial psychoactive substance screening indicated a result requiring further analysis, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Sunday (August 9, 2026).
The Airbus A320, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise before stabilising and landing safely in Delhi.
A few passengers and cabin crew members reported injuries during the incident. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members.
Both flight crew members underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening following the incident, as required under standard operating procedures. The pilot-in-command's sample was sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, with the final report awaited, the Ministry said in a statement.
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