Cannabis confirmed: Phuket-Delhi flight pilot tests positive in second drug test

NEW DELHI: The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test following the aircraft’s sudden loss of around 300 feet in altitude during the journey, sources said.

The initial post-flight screening of the pilot had returned a result requiring confirmatory testing. The sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory, where the pilot tested positive for marijuana, according to sources.

The incident occurred on August 4 when Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude during cruise. The aircraft stabilised shortly afterwards and landed safely in Delhi.

Both pilots underwent mandatory screening for psychoactive substances after the flight. Following the initial screening result, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took both pilots off roster pending the investigation and completion of the prescribed process.

The incident has been classified as serious and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of altitude, and authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions before all available evidence is analysed.

The latest confirmatory drug-test result does not by itself establish that the pilot was impaired while operating the flight. The cause of the altitude loss remains under investigation.