Air India Breaks Silence on Phuket-Delhi Flight Probe: No Drug Test Findings Shared With Airline Yet

Air India has clarified that regulatory authorities have not shared any drug test findings or reports with the airline, following widespread media reports alleging that the captain of a turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for psychoactive substances.

The statement comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 carrying 145 people, which experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop over Odisha on August 4 before landing safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Airline Awaits Official Test Results From Safety Regulators

Addressing speculation surrounding the crew's post-flight medical evaluations, Air India confirmed that mandatory screening protocols were conducted upon arrival in New Delhi, but emphasized that no official results have been handed over to airline management.

"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," an Air India spokesperson said in an official statement.

The carrier reiterated that it maintains strict compliance with civil aviation mandates, conducting routine and random drug testing across its flight crews independent of specific operational incidents.

DGCA Investigation Enters Crucial Phase

While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) continues its multi-angle inquiry into the August 4 in-flight incident—which resulted in 12 hospitalisations—Air India stated it remains in full cooperation with aviation authorities.

Until official findings from the DGCA and testing laboratories are formally communicated to the airline, Air India maintains that any assertions regarding pilot test results remain unconfirmed by regulators.