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2 more Air India pilots fail preliminary drug test (Img: X)
New Delhi: Two more Air India pilots have reportedly failed the airline’s preliminary drug screening test following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident, raising fresh concerns over aviation safety and pilot monitoring.
The pilots have been temporarily removed from flying duties as a precautionary step, with confirmatory tests underway to determine whether the results are linked to prohibited substances or certain medications.
The Tata Group-owned airline launched an extensive drug testing programme after the August 4 incident involving Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi.
Air India Group mandated screening tests for all pilots from August 13. Around 300–400 pilots have been tested so far, with two recording non-negative preliminary results. Confirmatory tests are awaited. Sources said no pilot has failed, and preliminary non-negative results may…
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) August 17, 2026
Around 400 pilots have already undergone screening as part of the airline’s internal safety measures. The exercise covers the detection of psychoactive substances as well as medications restricted under aviation safety rules.
The safety review began after AI2379, an Airbus A320neo, experienced a sudden altitude drop of around 300 feet during its journey from Phuket to Delhi.
The incident caused injuries to 24 passengers and crew members after the aircraft experienced a sudden movement while flying over the Indian mainland. The aircraft later landed safely in Delhi, but the incident prompted detailed investigations by aviation authorities and the airline.
The captain of the Phuket-Delhi flight had initially received a “non-negative” result during mandatory screening after landing. A subsequent confirmatory test reportedly detected marijuana-related psychoactive substances. Both pilots operating the flight were taken off flying duties pending investigation.
The latest two pilots will reportedly remain grounded until final laboratory reports are received. Air India’s expanded testing programme goes beyond the regulatory requirement that airlines conduct random screening of a percentage of flight crew every year.
The airline has maintained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening safety standards and ensuring passenger confidence.
