India’s civil aviation ministry said on Sunday that the pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 underwent a psychoactive substance screening after the Airbus A320 experienced an unexpected drop in altitude during its journey on August 4.
The aircraft, registered VT-EXO, was operating from Phuket to Delhi when it suddenly lost approximately 300 feet of altitude while cruising. According to the government, the aircraft subsequently stabilised and continued its journey before landing safely in Delhi.
Following the incident, both members of the flight crew were subjected to psychoactive substance screening in line with standard procedures.
The ministry said the screening result for the pilot-in-command indicated a finding that required confirmatory laboratory testing. Samples have since been forwarded to a designated laboratory, with authorities awaiting the final report.
The authorities have not disclosed what substance, if any, was indicated by the initial screening. The preliminary result therefore does not constitute a final finding, with the outcome of the laboratory analysis expected to determine whether any prohibited or psychoactive substance was actually present.
As investigations continue, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has removed both crew members from the roster pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The incident has been classified as a "serious incident" and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is responsible for examining the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.
Air India said it was aware that post-flight screening tests had been carried out but stressed that the airline had not received the results and could therefore not comment on the preliminary finding.
"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 airline spokesperson said.
The airline added that it conducts regular drug testing of its crew members as required under civil aviation regulations and would continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as the investigation progresses.
The development comes at a time of increased scrutiny of India's aviation industry, with regulators and investigators examining a number of safety-related incidents and reviewing operational and regulatory practices.
For now, the initial screening result remains subject to confirmation. Authorities are expected to rely on the designated laboratory's final report, alongside the broader investigation into the aircraft's sudden loss of altitude, before drawing conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.