{"id":153441,"date":"2026-08-09T17:04:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T11:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=153441"},"modified":"2026-08-09T15:40:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T10:10:21","slug":"air-india-pilot-likely-fails-dope-test-after-turbulence-hit-phuket-flight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/09\/air-india-pilot-likely-fails-dope-test-after-turbulence-hit-phuket-flight\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Pilot Likely Fails Dope Test After Turbulence-Hit Phuket Flight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GURUGRAM-<\/strong> Air India (AI)<\/a> pilot of the turbulence-hit AI2379 flight from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Delhi International Airport (DEL) has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances during post-flight screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reported result is not a final confirmation, as another test result is still pending. Air India has not confirmed or denied the development and said it has not received the test findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India Pilot Reportedly Tests Positive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379, which flew from Phuket<\/a> to Delhi on August 4, has likely failed a post-flight dope test, sources told NDTV<\/a>. The reported finding remains unconfirmed because the result of another test is still awaited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources said the pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances during post-flight screening in Delhi. A second test has also been conducted, but its result has not yet been released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India, the Tata-owned airline, said it could not comment on the reported findings because the test results had not been shared with the airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” Air India said in a statement. A confirmed positive drug test can lead to regulatory action against a flight crew member under applicable aviation rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a first confirmed positive test, the crew member must be referred to a rehabilitation centre. The crew member can return to service only after producing a negative dope test report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A second recurrence can lead to suspension of the crew member’s licence for three years. A third offence can result in cancellation of the licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reported Air India case has not reached a final determination because another test result remains pending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prescribed medicines can also influence dope test results. Crew members are therefore required to declare any medication they are taking before undergoing the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This requirement helps authorities consider declared medication when assessing test findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Eurospot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

AI2379 Flight Faced Severe Turbulence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air India flight AI2379 was travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it encountered severe turbulence and experienced a sudden loss of altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flight was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. The turbulence lasted about five minutes, according to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least 13 passengers and four crew members were injured during the incident. Air India said the injured passengers were discharged after a brief hospital stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two crew members suffered spinal injuries near the tailbone and neck. Naidu praised the crew for showing courage while responding to the incident despite sustaining injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Eurospot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aviation Watchdog Investigates Incident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The aviation watchdog has initiated an inquiry into the turbulence incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft was moved to a hangar for further investigation. Authorities also secured the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder as part of the inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the flight’s sudden loss of altitude and the injuries sustained by passengers and crew members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Air India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India on Reported Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air India has not confirmed or denied the reported positive test. The airline said it could not comment because the test results had not been shared with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline has also stated that it will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pending test result will determine the next stage of the regulatory process concerning the reported dope test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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