A pilot who was in command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude has reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, according to reports published on August 11, 2026.
The development has raised fresh concerns about flight safety as aviation authorities continue investigating the incident, which left several passengers injured.
What Happened on the Phuket-Delhi Flight?
Air India flight AI2379, operating from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi, experienced a sudden loss of altitude during the flight on August 4.
The aircraft reportedly dropped approximately 300 feet, resulting in injuries to passengers and crew members. Earlier reports described the event as turbulence-related, although authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the sudden altitude change.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Delhi.
Pilot Tests Positive for Marijuana
The latest development concerns the flight’s pilot-in-command.
According to reports, an initial post-flight screening indicated the presence of a psychoactive substance. The sample was subsequently sent for confirmatory testing.
The latest reports say the confirmatory test returned positive for marijuana.
It is important to note that a positive drug test by itself does not establish that the pilot was impaired while operating the aircraft, nor does it establish that drug use caused the altitude change. Those questions remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Both Pilots Removed From Duty
Following the initial test result, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), took both pilots off the roster pending the investigation and further testing.
The incident has also been classified as a serious incident, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) involved in examining what happened.
The investigation is expected to examine flight-data records, crew actions, aircraft systems, weather conditions, and other operational factors.
17 People Reportedly Injured
The sudden altitude change resulted in injuries to passengers and crew members.
Reports indicate that 17 people were injured in the incident, although the aircraft was able to continue its journey and land safely in Delhi.
The incident highlights the potential danger of unexpected altitude changes during cruise, particularly for passengers who are not wearing their seat belts.
Did Drug Use Cause the Altitude Drop?
At this stage, there is no confirmed evidence that the pilot’s test result caused the aircraft to lose altitude.
The investigation will need to establish whether the event was caused by turbulence, an aircraft-system issue, crew actions, or another factor.
The timing of the drug-test result has understandably attracted significant attention, but the two issues should not automatically be treated as causally connected.
A positive test can indicate exposure to a substance without necessarily proving that a person was under its effects at the specific time of an incident.
Why the Incident Is Significant
Commercial aviation depends heavily on strict safety procedures and crew fitness requirements.
Pilots are expected to report for duty fit to operate an aircraft, and aviation authorities maintain testing and monitoring systems designed to identify alcohol and prohibited substances.
The incident could therefore prompt closer scrutiny of:
- Pilot drug-testing procedures
- Post-flight screening protocols
- International flight crew monitoring
- Substance-use regulations
- Airline safety procedures
- Crew fitness assessments
- The circumstances surrounding the 300-foot altitude loss
Air India Under Fresh Scrutiny
The incident comes at a time when aviation safety remains a major focus for Air India and India’s civil aviation authorities.
The airline has said it is aware that post-flight screening was conducted in accordance with applicable procedures, while reports indicate that the investigation and regulatory process are continuing.
The final findings will be important in determining whether the drug-test result had any connection with the flight incident.
What Happens Next?
The investigation is expected to determine:
- What caused the aircraft’s sudden altitude loss?
- Whether turbulence was responsible for the event.
- Whether any aircraft-system malfunction contributed.
- Whether crew actions played a role.
- What the confirmatory drug test establishes.
- Whether the pilot was impaired at the time of the flight.
- Whether additional safety measures are required.
Until investigators complete their work, it would be premature to conclude that the pilot’s drug-test result caused the aircraft’s sudden descent.
Final Takeaway
The Air India Phuket-Delhi incident has raised serious questions after the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude and passengers were injured.
The reported positive marijuana test of the pilot adds another significant element to the investigation. However, a positive test does not by itself prove impairment or establish that drug use caused the altitude loss.
With the DGCA and aviation investigators examining the incident, the final investigation report will be crucial in determining exactly what happened aboard AI2379 and whether any changes to aviation safety procedures are necessary.
