AI Phuket-Delhi flight: Pilot’s initial dope test result requires confirmatory analysis, says aviation ministry

The preliminary psychoactive substance screening of the pilot-in-command (PIC) of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi has indicated a result requiring confirmatory analysis, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Sunday. The development comes days after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise, leaving passengers and crew members injured.

According to the ministry, Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during its journey from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.

As part of the standard operating procedures following the incident, both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening. While the screening of the PIC indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing, the final result is yet to be established.

“Samples have accordingly been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

Air India says test results not shared with airline

The ministry’s statement follows Air India’s earlier response to reports that the pilot may have failed a post-flight dope test.

Air India had confirmed that a post-flight screening of the pilots was conducted in accordance with applicable protocols but said the results had not been shared with the airline.

“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 had told Fortune India earlier today.

The airline had also clarified that it conducts regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations and that such testing is independent of any specific flight or operational incident.

Both pilots taken off roster

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Pending the investigation and completion of the prescribed testing process, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken both flight crew members off the roster, the ministry said.

“Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results,” it added.

The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members, comprising two pilots and six cabin crew, at the time of the incident.