{
  "id": 375094,
  "title": "After dope test, AI Phuket-Delhi flight pilot to undergo ‘confirmatory analysis’: Govt says AAIB probing turbulence",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/after-dope-test-ai-phuket-delhi-flight-pilot-to-undergo-confirmatory",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T11:50:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-pilots-dope-test-sample-sent-for-confirmatory-analysis-govt-on-sudden-dip-injuries-101786275906728.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Indian government stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated an investigation into the turbulence incident that occurred during Air India's Phuket-Delhi flight AI 2379 on August 4. The Indian government had previously mentioned that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was looking into the matter. Regarding the pilot in command (PIC), the government revealed that his psychoactive substance screening test resulted in a need for a confirmatory test, indicating the pilot should undergo a re-test. Both crew members involved in the incident underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test; however, the PIC's test indicated a result that required further confirmation. The samples from the PIC have been sent to the designated laboratory for further analysis, and the final report is yet to be released. The aircraft, an A320 Air India flight VT-EXO, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of about 300 feet during cruise, after which the plane stabilized and safely landed in Delhi. Several passengers and crew members reported injuries, and the plane was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members (two pilots and six cabin crew). Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu mentioned that two crew members with spinal injuries are still hospitalized. Pending the investigation's completion and the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been removed from the roster. The DGCA stated that appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and the confirmatory test results. An industry expert explained that the initial test, which takes around three hours, shows 'non-negative' but not positive. The more comprehensive and detailed test, which takes around three days, will confirm the results. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the DGCA remain committed to maintaining the highest aviation safety standards, ensuring that all such occurrences are thoroughly investigated, and proper action is taken according to the prescribed regulations and procedures.",
  "summary": "Pilot-in-command of the August 4 flight, which dipped suddenly by 300 feet causing injuries to some passengers and crew, is undergoing “confirmatory analysis”",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}