Air India captain's dope test flags concern after 300-foot altitude drop injures passengers

An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that experienced a sudden loss of altitude has triggered a drug-testing investigation into its captain, with authorities grounding both pilots while confirmatory results are awaited.

The Airbus A320 operating flight AI2379 dropped approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4 before stabilising and landing safely in Delhi. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members. Several passengers and cabin crew members were injured during the incident.

Following standard procedure, both pilots underwent psychoactive substance screening. The pilot-in-command's initial test returned a result requiring confirmatory analysis, according to a statement from India's Ministry of Civil Aviation on August 9. Samples have been sent to a designated laboratory, with the final report still awaited.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken both flight crew members off the roster pending completion of the investigation and testing process. The incident has been classified as a Serious Incident and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Air India complies with civil aviation regulations requiring regular drug testing of crew members. The Ministry said further action will be determined based on the outcome of the AAIB investigation and the confirmatory test results.

One passenger claimed the pilot was walking strangely after the turbulence, according to reports.