Air India Phuket-Delhi flight pilot tests positive for marijuana in 2nd dope test: Sources

The pilot-in-command of Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, which experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4, tested positive for a psychoactive substance in the confirmatory test, according to news agency PTI sources. Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening following the incident. 

While there was no official statement from the airline or the authorities, the sources said the pilot has tested positive for marijuana, a psychoactive substance.

The co-pilot's screening did not raise any concerns. However, the initial test of the pilot-in-command returned a result that required further analysis. The pilot has undergone confirmatory



testing after an initial psychoactive substance screening indicated that the result requires further analysis, the civil aviation ministry had said on August 9.

The pilot's sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory testing, which has now returned a positive result.

The airline on Sunday had said that it regularly conducts drug testing of its crew members according to the guidelines laid down by the DGCA. "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."