Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Marijuana After Altitude Drop
Air India Captain Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Altitude Plunge
PILOT FAILS DRUG TEST
Illustration concept: A commercial Airbus passenger jet flying through turbulent clouds in the daytime sky, high-detail editorial photography style.
AI summary
An Air India captain has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test following a sudden 300-foot loss of altitude during a flight from Phuket to Delhi. The incident left 17 people injured, prompting Indian aviation authorities to summon the airline's chief executive.
Why this matters
A positive drug test for a commercial flight captain following a severe mid-air drop raises significant concerns regarding aviation safety and crew testing standards in India. The incident could lead to increased regulatory oversight for Air India as government authorities conduct formal investigations.
Key takeaways
- An Air India captain tested positive for marijuana following an in-flight altitude drop, according to Indian media.
- The Airbus A320neo dropped roughly 300 feet over Odisha during a flight from Phuket to Delhi.
- The incident injured 13 passengers and four crew members out of 145 people on board.
- India's Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson as investigations proceed.
An Air India captain operating a commercial flight from Phuket to Delhi has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, according to Indian television news channels. The drug screening was administered after the aircraft experienced an unexpected loss of altitude during its flight last week.
The Airbus A320neo was traveling over the eastern state of Odisha when it suffered a sudden drop of roughly 300 feet. Indian government officials earlier described the occurrence as a momentary variation in altitude.
The sharp disturbance caused injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members. In total, the flight was carrying 137 passengers and an eight-member crew.
Indian authorities launched a formal investigation into the safety breach shortly after it occurred. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson regarding the incident. Neither the ministry nor Air India immediately issued public statements, while international news agencies noted that the media reports on the drug test could not be independently confirmed immediately.
Frequently asked questions
- What caused injuries during the Air India flight?
- The aircraft experienced a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet while flying over Odisha, causing physical injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members.
- Did the Air India pilot fail a drug test?
- Indian television channels reported that the flight captain tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test following the incident.
- How have regulators responded to the incident?
- India's Ministry of Civil Aviation initiated an investigation into the incident and summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Business Recorder
- Original publication:
- Aug 11, 2026, 2:56 PM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 11, 2026, 2:56 PM
- Updated:
- Aug 11, 2026, 3:02 PM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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