Air India sacks pilot who tested positive for psychoactive substance after Phuket-Delhi flight scare

Air India on Friday (September 4, 2026) terminated the services of the pilot-in-command, who tested positive for psychoactive substances, after a Phuket-Delhi flight injured 24 due to a momentary loss of altitude.

The announcement from the airline came hours after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in its preliminary report on the August 4 incident, flagged the matter as a “serious concern” and recommended that the DGCA take appropriate action on priority. The final report could take upto a year or more.

Announcing the termination of the pilot “with immediate effect”, Air India, in a statement said: “In line with Air India’s zero-tolerance approach to violation of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, the pilot’s employment has been terminated with immediate effect.”

On August 4, 24 passengers were injured after a momentary loss of altitude. The co-pilot, who was the pilot flying (PF) responded and tried to control the prevailing situation and as the hydraulic systems recovered, aircraft operations returned to normalcy.

The aircraft suffered damage at several points inside the cabin, including cracked or dislodged ceiling panels, bent or broken handrails, and damaged emergency exit and overhead-bin components. One of the lavatory commodes was uprooted, while a crew seat and other components near the rear doors were also damaged.