Air India has announced voluntary drug testing for 100 per cent of its pilots after the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight tested “non-negative” for a psychoactive substance following a serious in-flight incident.
The announcement came after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary findings into the August 4 incident involving flight AI2379. The aircraft, an Airbus A320-251N carrying 145 people, suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude while flying from Phuket to Delhi.
The AAIB described the pilot’s confirmed psychoactive-substance finding as a “serious concern” and recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take appropriate action on priority. A subsequent test reportedly detected marijuana in the pilot’s system.
Responding to the report, Air India said safety remains its highest priority. The airline said it is fully cooperating with the investigation and has provided investigators with access to relevant operational, maintenance and technical records.
“Safety remains Air India's highest priority,” an airline spokesperson said.
Air India added that its pilots undergo rigorous training, regular proficiency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory assessments in accordance with national and international requirements. The airline said the voluntary testing of all pilots was introduced as an additional step to strengthen its safety measures following the incident.
The flight incident itself is also being investigated in detail. Twenty-four people received medical assistance after the aircraft landed in Delhi, with four reported to have sustained serious injuries.
The incident was initially attributed to turbulence. However, the AAIB later classified it as an accident after examining available evidence and the injuries reported.
The aircraft’s post-flight Centralised Fault Display System recorded at least nine warning messages within a minute at around 9:32 am. These included low hydraulic pressure in the Green, Blue and Yellow systems, an autopilot disconnect and an elevator flight-control fault.
According to information from the aircraft manufacturer, the loss of altitude was linked to hydraulic pressure problems that temporarily affected elevator and aileron control for about four seconds.
Further warnings were recorded later, including emergency-exit door sensor alerts, an engine anti-ice fault and another autopilot disconnect.
Sources close to the investigation also told Hindustan Times that the pilot reportedly slept for around 30 to 35 minutes during the flight. Investigators have interviewed both pilots and members of the cabin crew as part of the probe.
The AAIB has said its detailed investigation remains underway and is examining data and records collected from different stakeholders. The final report will be released after the investigation is completed.
Air India’s latest move is aimed at reinforcing safety procedures while the regulator and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the flight.
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