The captain of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi has tested positive for marijuana following a sudden loss of about 300 feet in altitude over India, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Flight AI2379, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, encountered severe weather before the altitude change while cruising over Odisha on August 4.
Air India's initial report put the number injured at 12, but the AAIB later revised the figure to 24.
India's aviation authorities have suspended both flight crew members while they investigate the event, which has been classified as a serious incident.
Drug test result follows initial screening
The captain was tested under standard post-flight drug-screening procedures alongside the other flight crew member. An initial screening indicated that further testing for psychoactive substances was required, and a sample was sent for laboratory confirmation.
Reuters reported on August 11 that the confirmatory test was positive for marijuana. At the time of an earlier report, India's Ministry of Civil Aviation had not said which substance had been flagged by the initial screening.
Air India and the ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the laboratory result. The airline had previously said it had not been informed of the results.
India's Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson on Tuesday, August 11, over the incident. Wilson told Indian news channels that the airline had updated the ministry on the progress of its internal investigation.
Flight left Phuket for Delhi
The aircraft, registered VT-EXO, departed Phuket International Airport for Delhi. Indian authorities described the event as a "momentary altitude variation", estimated at roughly 91 metres.
The investigation is being led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Air India (AAIB) said it routinely drug-tests crew under civil aviation rules and would continue cooperating with authorities.
Air India is majority-owned by the Tata Group, while Singapore Airlines holds a stake of about 25%. Air India appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive last week.
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13 August 2026
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