An Air India Phuket–Delhi flight lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise on August 4. Days later, the aircraft’s pilot-in-command reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. Air India has now ordered mandatory substance screening for all its pilots.
Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Loses 300 Feet of Altitude
A serious aviation safety concern has emerged following an incident involving Air India flight AI2379, which was operating from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi on August 4, 2026.
The Airbus A320neo suddenly lost approximately 300 feet (91 metres) of altitude while cruising. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
The incident resulted in injuries to passengers and crew members. Different reports have cited different injury figures as the investigation has progressed.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident, with the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders secured for examination. Airbus has also offered technical assistance in the investigation.
Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Marijuana
The case took a more serious turn after the pilot-in-command underwent a post-flight screening for psychoactive substances.
According to reports, the pilot's initial screening produced a “non-negative” result, which required a confirmatory laboratory test under the applicable procedure. The subsequent confirmatory test reportedly came back positive for marijuana.
Importantly, a positive drug test does not by itself establish that marijuana caused the aircraft's 300-foot altitude loss.
The AAIB investigation into the flight incident is still underway, and authorities have cautioned against reaching conclusions about the cause before the evidence is fully examined.
Pilot Was Reportedly Taking Medication for Sleep Problems
Another detail has emerged during the investigation.
According to reports, the pilot told investigators that he had experienced difficulty sleeping for a period before the flight and had been prescribed medication by a family doctor. It remains unclear when the marijuana detected in the test had been consumed.
This distinction is important because detecting a substance is not necessarily the same as proving impairment at the exact time of operating the aircraft. The investigation will need to establish the circumstances surrounding the test and the flight separately.
Air India Orders Drug Tests for All Pilots
Following the incident, Air India has taken a broader safety measure.
The airline announced that mandatory psychoactive-substance screening would be conducted for all Air India Group pilots from August 13, 2026. The programme also covers pilots of Air India Express.
According to the airline's internal communication, testing will be carried out at locations including the Gurugram training academy, flight briefing centres, airline offices and pilot bases.
Air India said the additional screening goes beyond existing regulatory requirements and is intended to reinforce safety and maintain passenger confidence.
What Are India's Rules for Pilot Drug Testing?
Under India's existing aviation safety framework, airlines are required to conduct random testing of flight crew for psychoactive substances.
The existing requirement calls for random testing of at least 10% of flight crew annually. Air India's new policy therefore represents a significant expansion of testing within the airline group.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also facing renewed attention over the effectiveness of drug and medication testing procedures following the incident.
Did Marijuana Cause the 300-Foot Drop?
There is currently no confirmed evidence that the pilot's positive marijuana test caused the aircraft to lose altitude.
That is one of the most important facts in this story.
The 300-foot altitude loss and the drug-test result are connected by timing, but that does not automatically establish causation. Investigators still have to examine the aircraft's systems, cockpit data, crew actions, weather conditions and other available evidence.
Reports have also pointed to multiple aircraft-system warnings, including issues involving hydraulic systems, flight controls and autopilot functions. Those reports are part of the wider picture being examined, rather than a confirmed final cause.
Why the Incident Matters
For passengers, the issue goes beyond one flight or one pilot.
Commercial aviation relies on multiple layers of safety: trained pilots, aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, medical fitness checks, drug screening, cockpit procedures and regulatory oversight.
The positive test has therefore raised questions about whether existing safeguards are sufficient and whether airlines need stronger monitoring of pilot fitness.
Air India's decision to screen all pilots is an immediate response designed to reassure passengers while the investigation continues.
What Happens Next?
The AAIB investigation will be crucial in determining what actually happened aboard AI2379.
Investigators will have access to the aircraft's Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), along with maintenance information and other evidence. Airbus specialists are also expected to assist with the technical investigation.
Meanwhile, the pilot involved has reportedly been taken off flight duties pending the inquiry.
Until investigators publish their findings, it would be premature to say that the marijuana test explains the altitude loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Air India flight lost 300 feet of altitude?
Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to New Delhi, suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise on August 4, 2026.
Did the Air India pilot test positive for marijuana?
Yes. Reports say the pilot-in-command initially returned a non-negative screening result and subsequently tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory test.
Was the pilot flying while high?
That has not been established. A positive drug test does not, on its own, prove that the pilot was impaired while operating the aircraft. The circumstances surrounding the test and the flight remain under investigation.
Did marijuana cause the Air India flight to lose altitude?
There is currently no confirmed finding that marijuana caused the 300-foot altitude loss. The AAIB investigation is examining the full range of possible factors before determining the cause.
How much altitude did the Air India flight lose?
The aircraft lost approximately 300 feet, or about 91 metres, of altitude during cruise.
Did the Air India flight land safely?
Yes. The aircraft stabilised after the altitude loss and subsequently landed safely in New Delhi.
Were passengers injured in the incident?
Yes. Passengers and crew members were reported injured. The number cited has varied between reports as more information has emerged during the investigation.
What happened to the pilot after the positive drug test?
Reports said the pilot was taken off the flight roster while the matter was being investigated.
Will Air India test all its pilots for drugs?
Yes. Air India announced mandatory psychoactive-substance screening for all pilots in the Air India Group beginning August 13, 2026. Air India Express pilots are also included.
How often are Indian airline pilots tested for drugs?
Existing aviation rules require airlines to randomly test at least 10% of flight crew each year for psychoactive substances. Air India's new programme goes beyond that requirement by introducing mandatory screening for its pilot group.
Was the pilot taking any medication?
According to reports, the pilot told investigators that he had experienced sleep difficulties and had been prescribed medication by a family doctor. The exact relationship between the medication, the drug-test result and the flight incident has not been established.
Is the investigation into the Air India flight complete?
No. The investigation is ongoing. Flight recorder data, cockpit information, aircraft systems and other evidence are being examined before a final cause can be established.
Is a positive marijuana test proof that a pilot was impaired?
Not necessarily. A drug test can establish the presence of a substance or its metabolites, but determining whether a person was impaired at a particular time requires additional evidence and interpretation.
What is Air India doing after the incident?
Air India has expanded its internal safety measures by introducing mandatory substance screening for its pilots. The airline has said the move is intended to strengthen safety and passenger confidence.
Conclusion
The Air India pilot marijuana test has added a major new dimension to the investigation into the Phuket–Delhi flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude.
But one distinction must remain clear: the positive drug test is a reported finding, while its connection—if any—to the aircraft's altitude loss has not been established.
The AAIB investigation, flight recorder data and technical evidence will ultimately determine what happened aboard AI2379. Until those findings are available, the safest conclusion is that the incident raises serious questions about pilot fitness and aviation safety, while the actual cause of the 300-foot drop remains under investigation.
Air India's decision to introduce mandatory drug screening for all its pilots shows that the airline is treating the matter seriously. The larger question now is whether these additional checks will help strengthen safety standards and passenger confidence across India's aviation sector.
Report by Toofan Express