Hours after India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report on ‘August 04 Air India’ incident, the airline issued a statement,
as per which the ‘pilot-in-command’ of the Phuket-Delhi flight- that dropped abruptly for about 300 feet in altitude during its cruise phase- has been “terminated”. Earlier in the day, the AAIB had issued a prelim report, as per which the ‘PIC was found non-negative for psycho-active substance in the confirmatory’. For context, Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi dropped abruptly for about 300 feet in altitude during its cruise phase, leading many to demand an investigation into the matter. Citing how confirmation of use of psycho-active substances is a serious concern, the AAIB had recommended appropriate actions by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on priority. Reportedly, the prelim report also confirmed ‘Hydraulic failure’. The report does not yet establish the technical cause of the hydraulic-system failure or the overall accident cause. The investigation is ongoing, and a final report is to follow. Air India’s Statement: After the report’s release, the airline issued its statement, as per which, the PIC has now been “terminated”. "Safety remains Air India's highest priority. The Pilot-in-Command of the Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance. In line with Air India's zero-tolerance approach to violation of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, the pilot's employment has been terminated with immediate effect." Air India’s Earlier Statement: “We acknowledge the release of the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and continue to extend our full cooperation to the investigation, including providing access to all relevant operational, maintenance and technical records,” Air India had said in its earlier statement. "Safety remains Air India's highest priority. Our pilots undergo rigorous training, regular proficiency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory assessments in accordance with applicable national and international requirements. Following the incident, Air India has started voluntary testing of 100% of its pilots as a further step to reinforce its safety-first approach. The airline maintains zero tolerance for any breach of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements and will take appropriate action wherever warranted. Air India remains committed to implementing any recommendations arising from the investigation," the statement concluded. The preliminary report has been published as per International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines. Reportedly, the investigation is in progress, whereas the final report will be published in due course. On August 4, 2026, Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi abruptly dropped about 300 feet in altitude during its cruise phase. The sudden drop injured at least 17 people on board, including passengers and crew, some with spinal and neck trauma. The airline said there were no serious injuries, and that those requiring assessment were taken to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination.
