India’s spaceport might get a private-sector pilot

New Delhi: Air India has responded to rumors suggesting the pilot of the turbulence-plagued Phuket-Delhi flight allegedly failed a drug test. On Sunday, the airline released a statement saying they had not received the results of routine crew screenings, and thus could not comment on any findings. Air India routinely tests its crew for drug use to comply with aviation regulations, regardless of individual incidents.

Captain CS Randhawa, Federation of Indian Pilots' president, also cautioned against premature conclusions, stating that the test results had not been confirmed. The flight experienced turbulence on August 4, causing minor injuries to passengers and crew. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, with Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirming the probe.