Air India has clarified that it has not received the results of post-flight drug tests conducted on the pilots of the turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight, amid reports that one pilot may have failed the screening.
The Air India flight, AI2379, was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it experienced severe turbulence and a sudden drop of around 300 feet in altitude. Nearly 20 people, including passengers and crew members, were reported injured.
Air India responds to pilot drug-test report
Air India said the post-flight screening was conducted as required under applicable protocols. However, the airline said it had not been given the test results.
“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings,” the airline said.
The statement came after reports claimed that a pilot had failed the drug test following the turbulence incident.
Air India also said it regularly conducts drug testing of its crew members in line with civil aviation regulations. The airline added that it would continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities.
What happened on the Phuket-Delhi flight?
AI2379 encountered severe turbulence while travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The aircraft reportedly experienced a sudden altitude drop of about 300 feet, triggering panic inside the cabin.
The flight eventually landed safely at Delhi airport. Several passengers and crew members required medical attention after the incident.
Airport visuals showed ambulances outside the terminal, while some passengers were assisted in wheelchairs and others were seen with injuries.
Passengers describe frightening experience
Passengers later described the turbulence as a terrifying experience.
A passenger filed a complaint with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) through the AirSewa portal, alleging that the aircraft suddenly dropped during the flight.
According to the complaint, the passenger was travelling with a family of six. He alleged that two elderly members of his family were injured during the incident.
The passenger claimed that his 62-year-old mother-in-law suffered a rib injury and a suspected spinal injury, while his 64-year-old father-in-law sustained bruises.
Another passenger, Shilpi Jain, shared her account on social media and said several passengers and cabin crew members were injured.
Jain said she was seated in seat 23F when the turbulence struck. She described passengers being thrown around the cabin as the aircraft suddenly dropped.
Aviation minister gives update
Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said most passengers who required medical attention were discharged after receiving treatment.
He said around 24 passengers had experienced some form of medical issue and were taken to hospital for examination.
“Most of the passengers in the first few hours only were discharged from the hospital,” Naidu said, adding that medical checks had been carried out.
Drug-test results remain unclear
The alleged pilot drug-test failure has not been confirmed by Air India. The airline has specifically said that it has not received the results of the post-flight screening.
The cause of the turbulence-related incident and any findings concerning the pilots will depend on the ongoing assessment by the relevant authorities.
For now, Air India has maintained that it is unable to comment on the reported drug-test findings until the results are formally shared.
