Air India on Sunday, 9 August said it has not been informed of the results of a post-flight drug screening conducted on the pilots of Flight AI2379, which encountered severe turbulence en route from Phuket to New Delhi on 4 August. Reports had surfaced alleging that the captain tested positive for psychoactive substances, a claim the airline said it could neither confirm nor deny.

What Air India Said

'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 Air India spokesperson said in an official statement.

The airline added that it 'undertakes regular drug testing of crew members' in compliance with civil aviation regulations, and confirmed it would 'continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required.'

What Happened on Flight AI2379

The Airbus A320 (registration VT-EXO), carrying 137 passengers — including three infants — and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew, encountered severe turbulence while flying over Odisha. The aircraft experienced a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet before stabilising and landing safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment. The remaining passengers were provided necessary assistance and support.

DGCA Investigation Underway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a detailed investigation into the incident shortly after the aircraft landed. 'The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA are closely monitoring the situation,' the ministry said in a statement.

Notably, the drug screening was reportedly conducted immediately after the aircraft landed on 4 August, in line with applicable post-incident protocols. The DGCA has not publicly disclosed the test findings.

Government Response

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu visited the hospital where the injured were being treated, accompanied by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, to assess the condition of affected passengers and assure them of all necessary support from the government.

What Happens Next

The DGCA investigation is expected to examine flight data, crew conduct, and the circumstances surrounding the turbulence event. The drug test results, once formally shared with the airline and regulatory authorities, could become a significant factor in the probe's findings. Aviation safety experts note that crew fitness-for-duty assessments are a standard part of post-incident investigations under Indian civil aviation rules.