Air India terminates Phuket-Delhi flight pilot after testing positive for drugs

Air India has terminated the employment of the pilot-in-command of its Phuket-Delhi flight after he tested positive for a psychoactive substance, the airline said on Friday.

"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," said Air India Spokesperson.



The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary investigation into the August 4 Air India Phuket-Delhi incident found that the Airbus A320 briefly lost pressure in all three hydraulic systems while flying at 36,000 feet, leading to an autopilot disconnect, a stall warning and an altitude deviation that injured 24 people. The pilot-in-command was later found non-negative for a psychoactive substance in a confirmatory blood test, and investigators recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation take action.

The finding is part of the preliminary investigation into Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320-251N carrying 145 people. "The confirmation of use of psycho-active substance is a serious concern," the bureau said, recommending that the DGCA take "appropriate actions" on priority to prevent abuse of psychoactive substances. The finding came from Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320-251N carrying 145 people.

Following the incident, the Tata Group-owned carrier 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 spokesperson said.