# Air India pilot likely failed dope test after turbulence, sources say

2026-08-09T07:20:30+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The captain of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that hit severe turbulence on August 4 has reportedly tested positive for a psychoactive substance in a post-flight screening. The Times of India and NDTV, citing sources, reported the alleged result on Sunday. Air India said the airline has not yet received the test report and is therefore not in a position to comment on any findings. The DGCA is investigating both the sudden altitude drop of about 300 feet, which injured 14 people, and the crew's actions. The pilots' body president urged against jumping to conclusions until official results are released. The airline said it conducts regular drug testing under civil aviation rules.

## Coverage

- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pilot-of-turbulence-hit-air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-likely-failed-dope-test-dgca-investigates-incident-report-11786257704497.html>
- news.abplive.com <https://news.abplive.com/news/india/air-india-captain-of-turbulence-hit-phuket-delhi-flight-may-have-failed-dope-test-psychoactive-substance-found-dgca-probe-1861159>
- indiatvnews.com <https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/air-india-on-reports-that-phuket-delhi-flight-pilot-failed-dope-test-not-in-a-position-to-comment-2026-08-09-1050833>
- ndtvprofit.com <https://www.ndtvprofit.com/india/air-india-phuket-delhi-turbulence-hit-flight-pilot-likely-failed-dope-test-say-sources-11885626>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-says-not-in-position-to-comment-on-screening-test-results-on-pilot-of-phuket-delhi-flight/articleshow/133064175.cms>

Tags: Air India, civil aviation, DGCA, flight turbulence, Phuket-Delhi, pilot drug test
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