NEW DELHI: The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that encountered severe turbulence and briefly lost around 300 feet in altitude on August 4 has reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test.

According to reports, the pilot of the Air India A320 operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi tested positive for marijuana, a psychoactive substance that can potentially affect judgment, coordination and decision-making.

The aircraft encountered severe turbulence during the flight and suddenly lost approximately 300 feet in altitude, resulting in injuries to several passengers and crew members. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, after which the injured passengers and crew were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Following the incident, the pilot underwent a confirmatory drug test after an initial post-flight screening produced a non-negative result, requiring further analysis, according to an NDTV Profit report.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already removed the flight crew from the flying roster pending the outcome of its investigation.

Air India CEO questioned over Phuket–Delhi incident

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and senior government officials met with Air India CEO Campbell Wilson to seek an explanation regarding the August 4 incident.

Executive Advisor to Tata Sons Chairman and former Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola, along with Air India’s Head of Flight Safety Deepak Joshi, also accompanied Wilson during the meeting.

Government officials reportedly sought a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the incident involving the Air India A320neo, which was operating from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi.

The reported positive drug-test result is expected to form part of the authorities’ broader investigation into the incident and the crew’s compliance with aviation safety and medical regulations.