The captain operating Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight that encountered turbulence and suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude on August 4 has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight
dope test, The Times of India reported, citing multiple sources.
The reported test was conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi. However, Air India has neither confirmed nor denied the reported positive result, saying the results of the post-flight screening have 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,” the report quoted an Air India spokesperson as saying.
The airline also stressed that it conducts regular drug testing of its crew members as part of its compliance with civil aviation regulations and that such tests are not necessarily connected to any particular flight or operational incident.
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“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 dope-test result comes as aviation authorities investigate the August 4 turbulence incident, in which the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude, leaving passengers and crew members injured.
What Happened On The Phuket-Delhi Air India Flight
Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered turbulence during its journey on August 4.
According to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the aircraft experienced turbulence for around four to five minutes. The flight had 137 passengers and eight crew members on board.
The aircraft suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude during turbulence.
A senior DGCA official had earlier said the pilot in command reported a severe injury to one cabin crew member, an injury to another and minor injuries to a few passengers following the sudden loss of altitude.
Naidu said some crew members suffered spinal and neck injuries and that doctors had advised them to rest.
“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,” the Civil Aviation Minister said, according to PTI.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the incident.
Air India Passengers, Crew Members Were Injured
At least 17 people, 13 passengers and four cabin crew members, were admitted to hospital after the turbulence incident.
Air India said that all 13 passengers who had been admitted to hospital had been discharged by 3.30 pm on August 5.
Air India also said its teams remained present at the hospitals and were in close contact with those affected.
The minister said some of the injured crew members had suffered injuries around the tailbone and neck and had been advised rest by doctors.
Air India Passenger Files Complaint With DGCA
Separately, a passenger travelling on the Phuket-Delhi flight approached the DGCA through the AirSewa portal, alleging that two elderly members of his family were injured during the incident.
According to the complaint, the passenger was travelling with a family of six when the aircraft experienced the sudden drop at around 9.30 am IST.
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The passenger alleged that passengers were thrown against the cabin ceiling during the incident.
He claimed that his 62-year-old mother-in-law, Renu Raniwala, suffered a rib injury and a suspected spinal injury, while his 64-year-old father-in-law, Mukul Raniwala, sustained bruises.
The passenger also questioned why the aircraft was not diverted to a nearby airport despite the presence of elderly injured passengers.
He further alleged that immediate medical assistance was not available after the aircraft landed in Delhi, claiming that there was no wheelchair, ambulance, water or adequately informed staff available until the family sought help.
The complaint also alleged that the pilot warned passengers against recording or posting videos of the incident.
The passenger has asked the DGCA to investigate the turbulence, the decision not to divert the flight, the conduct of the crew and the ground response. He has also sought relevant records relating to the incident.
Air India Says It Is Reviewing The Complaint
Responding to the passenger’s complaint, an Air India nodal officer said the airline was aware of his concerns and that the aircraft had landed safely in New Delhi.
The airline said affected passengers and crew members had received necessary medical assistance and support.
“Passenger safety and well-being remain Air India’s highest priority,” the airline said, adding that it was reviewing the passenger’s experience internally and had requested time to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Visuals from the airport after the flight landed showed ambulances stationed outside the terminal gate.
Several passengers were seen being assisted in wheelchairs, while some appeared to have bandages on their heads as they were taken for medical evaluation.
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