Air India Fires Flight Captain Following Positive Test for Psychoactive Substance
Air India has dismissed the pilot-in-command of flight AI2379 operating between Phuket and New Delhi after tests confirmed the presence of a psychoactive substance in his system. The disciplinary action was initiated following the release of a preliminary investigation report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding a severe in-flight incident on August 4, 2026.
During the August 4 flight, the Airbus A320 carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members suffered a sudden and simultaneous pressure loss across all three of its hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet. The technical malfunction triggered an automatic disconnect of the autopilot system and led to an abrupt altitude loss of nearly 300 feet over Odisha. The violent movement threw unbuckled passengers and cabin crew against the overhead bins, resulting in injuries to 24 individuals before the crew regained control and safely landed the aircraft.
Following the event, aviation authorities reclassified the incident as an 'accident' and ordered mandatory medical and substance testing for the operating crew. Upon receiving confirmatory drug test results, Air India invoked its zero-tolerance policy regarding safety and regulatory non-compliance, terminating the captain's employment with immediate effect. Additionally, the airline announced plans to implement comprehensive, one-time substance screenings for all active flight pilots across its operational fleet.
Civil aviation authorities, along with technical support from Airbus and France’s civil aviation safety agency BEA, are continuing their investigation into the root cause of the triple hydraulic failure. The incident has raised significant discussion surrounding airline safety protocols, crew medical oversight, and strict compliance with substance-free regulations in commercial aviation.
