# Air India pilot fails dope test after severe turbulence

2026-08-09T19:45:18+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The pilot of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 has tested non-negative for psychoactive substances in a preliminary dope test, the aviation ministry confirmed on Sunday. The Airbus A320, flight AI 2379, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of about 300 feet, injuring multiple passengers and cabin crew before landing safely in Delhi. Both pilots have been taken off flying duty by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) pending investigation. Samples from the pilot-in-command have been sent for confirmatory analysis at a designated laboratory, and the final report is awaited. The ministry has classified the incident as serious and handed it over to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The DGCA's standard procedures require immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties for any crew member with a non-negative screening result.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/videos/times-now/shows/air-india-pilot-tests-positive-for-psychoactive-substance-after-flight-incident-video-155425381>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/dope-test-of-turbulent-ai-flights-pilot-not-negative-sent-for-confirmation-says-government/articleshow/133076744.cms>

Tags: Air India, aviation safety, DGCA overhaul, pilot dope test, regulatory oversight, Times Now
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