Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: Pilot Reportedly Tests Positive in Dope Test, Both Pilots Grounded

New Delhi: The turbulence incident involving Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight has taken a new turn, with sources claiming that one of the pilots who operated the flight has tested positive in a post-flight dope test. Both pilots have reportedly been grounded pending a detailed investigation.

Air India flight AI 2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence on August 4 and reportedly descended by around 300 feet during the incident. Following the episode, both pilots underwent mandatory post-flight dope testing under the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures.

According to sources, one of the pilots allegedly returned a positive test result. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is investigating the matter, and both pilots have reportedly been taken off flying duties while the investigation is underway.

A senior Ministry of Civil Aviation official said the DGCA’s findings will help determine whether the matter requires a separate investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

Air India Says It Has Not Received Test Results
Air India, however, has maintained that it has not received the test results and therefore cannot comment on the reported outcome. An Air India spokesperson said the pilots underwent post-flight screening tests in accordance with applicable regulations, but the results had not been shared with the airline.

The spokesperson said, “We are aware that the pilots underwent post-flight screening tests as per applicable regulations. However, the test results have not been shared with Air India, so we are unable to comment on this.” The airline also said it routinely conducts drug testing of crew members in accordance with civil aviation regulations and would fully cooperate with the investigating authorities, if required.

Turbulence Left Passengers Injured
The development comes days after the Phuket-Delhi flight encountered severe turbulence during its journey on August 4. Following the incident, around 24 passengers were taken to hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu had said that most of the affected passengers were discharged within a few hours.

The DGCA’s ongoing investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the turbulence incident as well as examine the reported dope-test findings. Until the official investigation and test results are confirmed by the competent authorities, the reported positive result remains an allegation based on sources.