Air India pilot undergoes 'confirmatory' drug test after flight plunge

An Air India pilot is undergoing a confirmatory psychoactive drug test following a turbulence incident on Aug 4 that injured 17 passengers and crew members on board the Airbus A320. The flight, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, descended 91 meters before stabilizing and safely landing in New Delhi. Both pilots were initially screened for psychoactive substances, but the Pilot-in-Command's result required further testing.

The samples were sent to a designated laboratory for analysis, with the final report awaited. The incident has been classified as serious, triggering an investigation by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Both pilots have been removed from the flying roster pending the outcome. Air India, already facing multiple challenges, has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO in a bid to revive its fortunes.