Air India pilot who tested positive for marijuana (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: The Air India pilot who tested positive for marijuana after operating a Phuket-Delhi flight reportedly told investigators that he had been dealing with sleep difficulties and was taking prescribed medication.
According to people familiar with the matter, the pilot-in-command (PIC) shared the information during questioning by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is probing the incident.
The development comes days after a confirmatory drug test found traces of marijuana in the pilot’s sample, raising concerns over aviation safety and cockpit protocols.
The incident occurred on August 4 when Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi, suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude while cruising.
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, six cabin crew members and two pilots. Initial reports stated that the altitude drop was linked to turbulence. Several passengers and crew members were injured during the incident.
The number of injured passengers and crew members was later revised to 24, including four cabin crew members and 20 passengers.
As per standard aviation procedures, both pilots underwent post-flight testing for psychoactive substances after landing in Delhi. The pilot-in-command’s initial test returned a “non-negative” result, which required further confirmation.
The confirmatory test later showed a positive result for marijuana. However, authorities have not confirmed when the substance was consumed.
Both pilots have been removed from flying duties temporarily as investigations continue.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initially handled the investigation before the matter was referred to the AAIB after being classified as a serious incident.
The AAIB is examining the circumstances surrounding the flight event, while the DGCA will decide further regulatory action based on investigation findings and testing procedures.
