India
oi-Madhuri Adnal
The captain of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi, which encountered severe turbulence and briefly lost around 300 feet in altitude on August 4, has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight dope test, according to a report by The Times of India citing multiple sources.
The reported test was carried out after the aircraft landed in Delhi. Air India, however, has not confirmed the result, saying it has not received the findings of the screening conducted on the pilots.
An Air India flight (AI2379) from Phuket to Delhi faced severe turbulence on August 4, injuring 17 people. The captain reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances post-flight, while the DGCA investigates the incident and passenger concerns.
“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings,” an airline spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Air India said drug testing of crew members is part of its regular compliance process and is not necessarily linked to a specific flight or an operational incident.
“Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” the airline said.
The reported test result has emerged while the aviation regulator is examining the circumstances surrounding the turbulence, which left several passengers and crew members injured.
What Happened On Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight?
Flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi, encountered turbulence on August 4 while carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the aircraft was in turbulent conditions for approximately four to five minutes before it suddenly dropped around 300 feet.
The incident resulted in injuries to passengers and members of the cabin crew. A senior DGCA official had earlier said the pilot reported that one cabin crew member had suffered a severe injury, another had been injured and a few passengers had sustained minor injuries.
Naidu later said some crew members suffered spinal and neck injuries and were advised to take rest.
Despite the incident, the aircraft continued its journey to Delhi, which took another hour. The minister praised the crew for continuing to assist passengers during the remainder of the flight.
“The plane had to travel for one more hour and even through that hour, the crew members provided all the assistance required. It was very brave. I want to thank them for the bravery they have shown,” Naidu said, according to PTI.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident.
17 People Hospitalised After Turbulence
The turbulence resulted in 17 people being taken to hospital, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members.
Air India said the 13 passengers who were admitted had been discharged by 3.30 pm on August 5. The airline also said its teams stayed in touch with those affected and remained present at the hospitals.
According to the Civil Aviation Minister, some of the injured crew members suffered injuries around the neck and tailbone and were advised rest by doctors.
Passenger Raises Questions Over Medical Response
The incident has also prompted a passenger to approach the DGCA through the AirSewa portal, alleging that two elderly members of his family were injured during the flight.
The passenger said he was travelling with five family members when the aircraft experienced the sudden drop at around 9.30 am IST. He alleged that passengers were thrown towards the cabin ceiling during the turbulence.
According to his complaint, his 62-year-old mother-in-law, Renu Raniwala, suffered a rib injury and a suspected spinal injury. His 64-year-old father-in-law, Mukul Raniwala, allegedly sustained bruises.
The passenger questioned the decision to continue to Delhi rather than divert the aircraft to a closer airport, particularly after elderly passengers were reportedly injured.
He also raised concerns about the response after landing in Delhi, alleging that his family initially struggled to access basic assistance, including a wheelchair, ambulance and water. He claimed staff were not adequately informed about the situation until the family sought help.
The complaint further alleged that the pilot cautioned passengers against recording or uploading videos of the incident.
The passenger has asked the DGCA to examine the circumstances surrounding the turbulence, the decision not to divert the flight, the conduct of the crew and the assistance provided to passengers after landing. He has also sought records related to the incident.
Air India Says Complaint Is Being Examined
Air India, responding through a nodal officer, said it was aware of the passenger’s concerns and maintained that the aircraft had landed safely in New Delhi.
The airline said medical assistance and support had been provided to passengers and crew members who were affected.
“Passenger safety and well-being remain Air India’s highest priority,” the airline said, adding that it was reviewing the passenger’s account internally and needed time to conduct a detailed assessment.
Images and videos from the airport after the flight’s arrival showed ambulances outside the terminal, while several passengers were seen being taken away in wheelchairs. Some passengers appeared to have bandages on their heads as they were taken for medical evaluation.
The DGCA probe is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the sudden altitude loss and assess the various concerns raised following the incident.
