Air India terminates Phuket-Delhi pilot after positive drug test

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 described the dismissal as a consequence of its strict zero-tolerance policy regarding safety, fitness, and regulatory compliance.

The action follows the release of a preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the flight incident. The probe agency confirmed the pilot's substance use and called it a "serious concern," recommending that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take priority action to prevent substance abuse among flight crews.

The incident occurred on 4 August when the Delhi-bound flight, operating an A320 aircraft, experienced a sudden altitude drop of 300 feet, reportedly due to clear air turbulence. The aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, but at least 24 people received medical assistance, with four suffering serious injuries.

Following the landing, both pilots underwent medical checks. While the breath analyser results were satisfactory for both, the pilot-in-command's sample returned a non-negative result for a psychoactive substance. A subsequent confirmatory blood test also returned non-negative. The co-pilot tested negative.

The AAIB's preliminary findings did not conclude that the pilot's drug use caused the altitude upset. The broader technical and operational investigation into the incident remains underway.

Under DGCA regulations, a pilot who tests positive must undergo rehabilitation or de-addiction before being allowed to return to flying. A second violation can lead to license suspension.