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An Air India pilot reportedly tested positive for a psychoactive substance after a severe turbulence incident injured 17 people. The airline says results remain unshared
The Air India Phuket-Delhi turbulence incident has taken a fresh turn, with multiple sources claiming that the pilot reportedly tested positive for a psychoactive substance in a post-flight screening (Image-X/KaranSingh, AirIndia)
An Air India pilot who was reportedly flying a Phuket-Delhi flight that encountered severe turbulence on August 04 has allegedly tested positive for a psychoactive substance during a post-flight screening, according to sources. The reported development comes after the turbulence left 17 people, including four cabin crew members, injured.
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A320 carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. According to reports, the flight encountered severe turbulence while flying near Odisha, resulting in a sudden loss of altitude of around 300 feet.
The turbulence reportedly lasted for several minutes, with 13 passengers and four crew members subsequently requiring medical attention for injuries, including spinal and neck injuries.
The reported test result has not, however, been independently confirmed by Air India. The airline said that post-flight screening of the pilots was conducted in accordance with established protocols, but clarified that the results had not been provided to it.
“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.
According to sources, a second test has also reportedly been conducted, with its results still awaited. Both pilots have been kept off duty while an inquiry into the incident is underway. Any further action is expected to depend on the findings of the pending test as well as the investigation by aviation authorities.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also probing the incident, including the aircraft’s reported altitude loss and whether factors other than weather conditions may have contributed to the situation. The reported positive screening has added another layer to the ongoing investigation and could prompt closer scrutiny of pilot fitness and aviation safety protocols.
Meanwhile, the alleged test result has triggered a strong reaction on social media. In a now-viral X post, CNN News18 anchor Rahul Shivshankar shared a report highlighting the alleged test result and called for clarification from Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Sharing the report, he wrote:
“A SHOCKING REPORT. AIR INDIA MUST CLARIFY. DGCA MUST ISSUE A STATEMENT. TIMES OF INDIA REPORT: The captain operating Air India’s turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight on Tuesday (Aug 4) reportedly tested positive in a psychoactive substances (dope) test conducted on arrival, according to multiple sources. The airline did not either confirm or deny it, saying while the tests were conducted, the results have not been shared with it.”
The post quickly gained traction, with users flooding the comments section with reactions to the reported development and raising questions about aviation safety and pilot screening protocols.
“Avoid & never travel in Air India ! Simple! u remember GJ tragedy? No good news at all! 😔” said one user.
Another user called for tighter checks on pilots, saying: “OMG! We need very stringent tests for pilots before they fly and immediately after landing. DCGA and Airlines are hand in glove. We need an overseeing Team to monitor Airlines & DGCA”
“One of the affected passenger of phuket incident as soon as she landed at Delhi categorically told that it’s not due to turbulence but she said nit could be due to pilot being drunken. Now that facts are emerging civil aviation ministry and DGCA should immediately cancel pilots license permanently and he should be banned lifelong from flying the aircraft. Criminal case of culpable homicide also be filed against the pilot,” wrote a third.
Another social media user questioned whether standard aviation procedures had been followed, writing: “AI again in the eye of storm. Wonder what’s happening with the premium flagship? A thorough investigation of the incident required. Were aviation sops ignored? How long will the airline continue to put passengers safety at risk? Many disquieting questions.”
One user summed up their reaction briefly: “Everyday we unlock new levels of audacity! @airindia.”
Another commented: “What a disgrace!! These pilots don’t care for the lives of hundreds of passengers”
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August 09, 2026, 12:09 IST
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