Air India has terminated Captain Sudeep Vasishtha, the Pilot‑in‑Command of flight AI2379, following a shocking revelation that he tested positive for a psychoactive substance.
The decision comes in the wake of a serious mid‑air incident on August 4, 2026, when the Phuket–Delhi flight suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude, leaving 24 passengers and crew injured.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report confirmed the pilot’s violation, prompting swift disciplinary action under Air India’s zero‑tolerance safety policy. The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its “highest priority” and that any breach of regulatory standards will be met with strict consequences.
The incident has reignited debate over aviation safety protocols in India, with experts calling for stronger monitoring of crew fitness and stricter enforcement of pre‑flight checks. Aviation analysts note that while turbulence and technical issues can cause sudden altitude drops, the presence of psychoactive substances in a pilot’s system represents a grave risk to passenger safety.
Air India’s move to dismiss the pilot underscores its commitment to restoring public confidence after recent challenges in operational reliability. The airline has also pledged to cooperate fully with regulatory authorities to ensure such lapses do not recur.
Passengers on board AI2379 have described the sudden drop as terrifying, with several sustaining injuries due to the abrupt turbulence. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of rigorous crew health checks and the need for airlines to maintain transparency in safety investigations.
As India’s aviation sector continues to expand, this case serves as a stark reminder that safety must remain paramount. Air India’s decisive action may set a precedent for stricter accountability across the industry.
