Two more Air India pilots fail preliminary drug test after Phuket-Delhi flight incident

August 17, 2026

New Delhi: Two more Air India pilots have reportedly returned non-negative results in preliminary drug tests conducted as part of the airline’s mandatory screening programme launched after the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The final confirmatory test results are awaited, and both pilots have been temporarily de-rostered, according to reports.

The development comes days after the pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to New Delhi, tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory test following the flight incident. The airline subsequently ordered a one-time drug screening of its entire pilot workforce.

Phuket-Delhi flight suffered sudden 300-foot altitude drop

On August 4, Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi, suffered a sudden drop of around 300 feet during the flight. Several passengers and crew members were injured, although the aircraft landed safely in Delhi. Reports on the number of injured have varied as the assessment progressed.

The incident initially drew attention because of the sudden altitude loss. Airbus’ preliminary analysis later indicated that the aircraft temporarily lost hydraulic pressure across all three hydraulic systems, causing key flight controls to become unresponsive for about four seconds. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident, with Airbus and France’s BEA assisting in the probe.

Captain’s drug test triggered wider screening

The incident took a new turn after the pilot-in-command’s initial drug screening, conducted after the aircraft landed, returned a non-negative result. A subsequent confirmatory test also detected marijuana, according to reports.

The captain was removed from flying duties pending the investigation. The development prompted Air India to order mandatory one-time psychoactive substance screening for its entire pilot workforce, covering pilots of both Air India and Air India Express.

The airline’s expanded testing programme covers roughly 5,000 pilots. More than 300 pilots had undergone screening by Monday, with other reports putting the number at nearly 400.

Two more pilots return non-negative preliminary results

The latest screening has now identified two additional pilots whose preliminary tests returned non-negative results. The samples have been sent for confirmatory testing, with final results generally taking around 24 to 48 hours.

Until the confirmatory results are available, both pilots have been de-rostered, meaning they have been taken off flying duties. A preliminary or non-negative screening result by itself does not establish a confirmed violation; the final test is required to determine the outcome.

Investigation into Phuket-Delhi incident continues

The drug-testing developments are separate from the technical investigation into the August 4 flight incident. Investigators are examining the aircraft’s flight data, cockpit voice recordings, maintenance history and other evidence to determine exactly what caused the sudden altitude loss.

Airbus has said its preliminary assessment found a temporary loss of hydraulic pressure that affected the aircraft’s flight controls. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.

The latest developments have placed renewed focus on cockpit safety, mandatory substance screening and compliance with aviation safety procedures as the investigation into the Phuket-Delhi incident continues.Air India, Air India Pilots, Phuket-Delhi Flight, Drug Test, Aviation Safety