Air India Pilot Drug Test (Img: AI Generate)
New Delhi: The captain of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, which witnessed a sudden altitude drop last week, has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The development comes as aviation authorities continue investigating the incident involving an Airbus A320neo aircraft, where the plane reportedly lost nearly 300 feet of altitude during the flight.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson over the incident, sources said. The airline management has briefed the ministry about the ongoing investigation, while the aviation ministry and Air India have not issued any official comment so far.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was flying over Odisha airspace. According to the government, the flight experienced a "momentary altitude variation" before continuing its journey and landing safely at Delhi airport.
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. The sudden movement resulted in injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members, prompting authorities to launch a detailed safety investigation.
The captain had earlier undergone an initial screening for psychoactive substances, which indicated a result requiring further confirmation through laboratory testing. The confirmatory test has now reportedly returned positive for marijuana.
Air India had earlier stated that it had not received official information regarding the test results. The airline is majority-owned by the Tata Group, while Singapore Airlines holds a significant minority stake.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and aviation authorities are expected to examine the findings as part of the ongoing probe into flight safety procedures, crew fitness standards and compliance with mandatory drug testing regulations.
