Air India: Pilot Under Scrutiny After Frightening Flight Incident
Indian aviation authorities are investigating an Air India flight that experienced a sudden drop in altitude shortly after departing from Phuket for New Delhi last week.
The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, lost approximately 300 feet in altitude on 4 August before continuing safely to New Delhi. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said 24 people were injured, revising the earlier figure of 17 reported by the airline.
The AAIB said investigators were examining technical, operational, medical and human factors as part of the inquiry, stressing that the investigation would be conducted independently and professionally.
The investigation has also drawn attention to the pilots’ post flight drug screening.
Indian media reported that the captain allegedly tested positive for marijuana in a second screening. NDTV, citing unnamed sources, reported that the pilot had used marijuana.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the reported result.
India’s aviation ministry previously confirmed that both pilots underwent standard psychoactive substance testing after landing in New Delhi. The captain’s initial test reportedly produced a result that required confirmatory testing, with samples sent for further analysis.
Both pilots have been removed from flying duties while the investigation continues.
Air India said it could not comment on the reported test results because the authorities had not shared the findings of the post flight screening with the airline. The carrier said it would continue cooperating with investigators and noted that its crew members undergo regular drug testing.
The AAIB investigation is being supported by aircraft manufacturer Airbus and France’s civil aviation safety agency, the BEA. Airbus has sent technical experts to New Delhi to assist with the inquiry, while the BEA confirmed its involvement but said it did not currently plan to send investigators to India.
The incident adds to a difficult period for Air India as the airline works to improve its operations and reputation.
The carrier has faced operational disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, while its reputation was badly affected by the June 2025 crash of Flight 171 shortly after take off from Ahmedabad. The crash killed 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 people on the ground.
Air India also recently appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive.