An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi faced a sudden loss of altitude and dropped about 300 feet. The pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana in a drug test twice. And now, to prevent further incidents like this, the airline has decided to screen all pilots for drugs before flights. Here’s what we know so far.
Air India Makes Drug Screening Mandatory For All Pilots
On August 4, 2026, an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi suddenly dropped 300 feet in altitude mid-air. The incident tossed unbuckled passengers and crew around the cabin, injured several people and left many terrified. The plane landed safely in Delhi, and many officials stated that the incident happened due to strong winds.
But later, the pilot-in-command of the flight, Sudeep Vashistha, tested positive for marijuana in a drug test. And now, to prevent such incidents, Air India will conduct mandatory screenings for all its pilots for substances and medications prohibited under prevailing regulations. According to India Today, the testing, which goes beyond regulatory requirements, will begin on August 13.
137 Passengers Were On The Phuket-Delhi Flight
According to India Today, the Phuket to Delhi flight was carrying 137 passengers, out of which 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were injured. Both pilots then underwent mandatory psychoactive-substance screening as part of the investigation. The pilot-in-command’s initial screening indicated a positive result, which led to another confirmatory test.
Both pilots were removed from the flying roster until the investigation and testing process was complete. According to NDTV, the pilot-in-command was also on sleep medication. Air India has also stated that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its highest priority. They are also cooperating with the authorities and working closely with senior officials as part of the investigation. We are now awaiting further details regarding the incident.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Air India, Wikipedia/Aeroprints.com
FAQs
What happened on the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight?
The Air India Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly dropped about 300 feet in altitude mid-air, injuring passengers and crew members.
Did the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight pilot test positive for marijuana?
Yes, the pilot-in-command reportedly tested positive for marijuana during a drug test.
How many people were injured on the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight?
20 passengers and four cabin crew members were reportedly injured in the incident.
