NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s aviation ministry announced Wednesday that it is awaiting the results of drug tests conducted on the captain of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden 300-foot (90-meter) drop last week, an incident that injured 24 passengers and crew members.
The event unfolded on August 4, shortly after the Airbus A320 departed from Phuket, Thailand, en route to New Delhi. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members, stabilized after the sudden descent and landed safely in New Delhi, according to officials.
Intense scrutiny has surrounded the incident, particularly after local media reports suggested the captain may have tested positive for marijuana during a follow-up drug screening.
The aviation ministry confirmed that both pilots underwent routine screening for psychoactive substances after the flight landed. These screenings are designed to detect substances such as alcohol or drugs that can impair judgment and alertness.
According to the ministry, the captain’s initial test result necessitated further laboratory confirmation. As a result, both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending the ongoing inquiry. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity due as they were not authorized to address the media, stated that details from the drug screening would be incorporated into the final investigation report.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting an independent investigation. This probe involves reviewing flight data, aircraft systems, maintenance and operational records, medical information, and conducting interviews.
The aviation ministry also stated that international aviation rules mandate assistance from France’s air accident investigation agency, BEA, and aircraft manufacturer Airbus. These entities are providing technical expertise, aircraft design information, and other relevant documents to aid Indian investigators in determining the cause of the incident.
This event marks the latest challenge for Air India as the airline endeavors to revamp its operations and rebuild its reputation. In 2025, a London-bound flight tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 individuals on the ground. The carrier has also grappled with increased difficulties in recent years, including disruptions from conflicts in the Middle East and persistent operational pressures.
