An Air India pilot is undergoing a confirmatory psychoactive substance test after a flight suffered a sudden plunge.
The Airbus A320 lost around 300 feet during turbulence while travelling from Phuket to New Delhi. The incident occurred on August 4 and left 17 passengers and crew members injured.
The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in the Indian capital.
Pilot Undergoes Confirmatory Drug Testing
India’s aviation ministry said the flight’s Pilot-in-Command requires further testing following an initial screening. Both pilots underwent standard psychoactive substance screening after the aircraft landed in New Delhi.
The screening result for the Pilot-in-Command indicated that confirmatory testing was necessary.
“The screening test in respect of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing,” it said. Authorities subsequently sent the relevant samples to a designated laboratory for further analysis.
“Samples have accordingly been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited.”
The final laboratory report will therefore determine the next steps in the matter.
17 Passengers and Crew Members Injured
The Airbus A320 was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when the incident occurred. The aircraft was flying from Phuket in Thailand towards New Delhi when it suddenly lost altitude.
It dropped around 300 feet before stabilising and continuing its journey safely. After landing, eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals.
Their conditions were described as stable following the incident. Videos recorded after the aircraft landed showed cabin baggage scattered across the aisle.
Some injured passengers were also taken to hospital on stretchers.
Flight Classified as Serious Incident
The aviation ministry has classified the incident as a “Serious Incident”. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has also launched an investigation into the episode.
Meanwhile, both pilots have been removed from the flying roster while the investigation continues.
“Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results,” it added.
The investigation will therefore examine the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of altitude. At the same time, authorities are awaiting the laboratory findings from the confirmatory testing.
Air India Confirms Post-Flight Screening
Air India separately confirmed that a post-flight screening test had been conducted on the pilots. However, the airline said it had not received the results of those tests.
The aviation ministry’s statement has now confirmed that the Pilot-in-Command requires additional testing.
The final findings could help authorities determine whether the initial screening result has any further significance. Until then, no final conclusion has been announced regarding the pilot’s test result.
Another Challenge for Air India
The incident adds to a series of challenges facing Air India as the carrier continues its transformation.
India’s Tata Group took control of the airline in 2022 and began an ambitious overhaul of its operations.
Since then, the group has ordered hundreds of aircraft and worked to modernise the airline’s ageing fleet.
It has also sought to integrate its aviation businesses while improving overall operations.
However, the airline has continued facing difficulties, including aircraft delivery delays.
Airspace closures linked to the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict have also created additional operational challenges.
Air India Still Recovering From 2025 Crash
The latest incident comes more than a year after Air India suffered its most serious recent aviation tragedy.
In June 2025, Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad.
The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people at the time.
All but one of those people on board were killed, while 19 people on the ground also died.
The crash dealt a major blow to the airline’s public image during its ongoing transformation.
Air India has since continued efforts to strengthen its operations and leadership.
New Leadership Amid Turnaround Efforts
The airline appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO.
He is widely regarded as an experienced aviation industry executive capable of helping steer the carrier’s turnaround.
His appointment comes as Air India works to address operational challenges and advance its wider transformation. For now, however, attention remains focused on the August 4 flight incident.
The investigation and confirmatory laboratory test are expected to provide further clarity about what happened. Until those findings emerge, authorities have not announced any final conclusions regarding the pilot’s initial screening result.
