{
  "id": 401509,
  "title": "Air India Phuket-Delhi flight turbulence: Passengers raise questions over pilot’s condition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-turbulence-passengers-raise-questions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T18:49:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-turbulence-passengers-raise-questions-over-pilots-condition-1.500635615"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced sudden turbulence on August 4, raising questions about the pilot's well-being. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing the incident, which involved a rapid 300-foot altitude drop before the plane landed safely in Delhi. Passengers, including Shrikant Jha, expressed concerns about the pilot's behavior and physical state following the turbulence, alleging he appeared intoxicated. Jha urged airport authorities to conduct drug and blood tests, which are now pending confirmatory results. Renu Raniwala, another passenger, recounted the panic caused by the sudden altitude drop, particularly the fear for children on board. She also alleged that a small child was thrown towards the back of the aircraft and that passengers were inadequately assisted after landing, with some waiting up to three hours for medical help. Air India stated the incident is being classified as a serious event and is under AAIB investigation. Both pilots underwent psychological screening tests, but the initial results require further confirmation.",
  "summary": "An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced severe turbulence on August 4, prompting passengers to raise concerns about the pilot's condition. Shrikant Jha, a passenger, noted the pilot's unusual behavior and appearance following the incident, suggesting intoxication. Another passenger, Renu Raniwala, described the sudden drop in altitude and the panic it caused, particularly among families traveling with children. Several passengers and cabin crew members were injured during the turbulence, and some were left waiting for medical attention for an extended period. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has classified the incident as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Both flight crew members have undergone psychoactive substance screening, with the initial results requiring confirmatory testing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Three-hundred-foot plunge, 17 injured: Air India pilot now faces confirmatory drug test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/three-hundred-foot-plunge-17-injured-air-india-pilot-now-faces",
        "published": "2026-08-10T01:31:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}