Air India Pilot Undergoes Confirmatory Drug Test After Turbulence Incident

POLICY WIRE — New Delhi, India — India’s aviation ministry announced on Sunday that an Air India pilot, whose flight experienced a dramatic plunge amid turbulence, is undergoing a confirmatory...

Editorial Desk

August 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New Delhi, India — India’s aviation ministry announced on Sunday that an Air India pilot, whose flight experienced a dramatic plunge amid turbulence, is undergoing a confirmatory psychoactive drug test.

The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, lost approximately 300 feet (91 meters) while flying from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi on August 4. The aircraft subsequently stabilized — and landed safely.

According to the civil aviation ministry, eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals following the incident. The ministry didn’t provide details on the severity of the injuries.

The confirmatory drug test follows initial screenings as part of standard procedure in such incidents. The results are expected to determine if any psychoactive substances were involved.

Air India and the aviation ministry haven’t released further statements regarding the pilot’s condition or the ongoing investigation.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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