Air India pilot tests positive for cannabis after mid-air altitude loss

An investigation is underway following an incident involving Air India flight AI-2379, an Airbus A320 traveling from Phuket to Delhi. During the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude, resulting in injuries to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members.

One of the pilots tested positive for marijuana following the incident. Consequently, both pilots have been removed from duty. In response, Air India has begun conducting full screenings of all its group pilots for prohibited substances and medications, submitting these reports to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The DGCA is now considering a mandate that would require all Indian airlines to conduct annual random testing for psychoactive substances for more than 25 per cent of flight crews, an increase from the current 10 per cent requirement. Meanwhile, the Federation of Indian Pilots has requested the introduction of oral-fluid testing as a complementary method to existing urine-based frameworks. A preliminary report regarding the altitude loss incident is expected within approximately 10 days.