Air India sacks Phuket-Delhi pilot who tested positive for psychoactive substance

The action comes exactly a month after the Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude and left 24 passengers and crew members injured on August 4.

In Short

• Laboratory test found marijuana in 34-year-old pilot’s sample
• AAIB probe found momentary loss of control amid systems failures
• Technical glitches, turbulence, crew fitness standards being probed

Air India has terminated the services of Sudeep Vasishtha, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of its Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379 after he tested positive for a psychoactive substance. The action follows the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report and comes as part of the airline’s stated zero-tolerance policy on safety and regulatory violations.

The action comes exactly a month after the Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude and left 24 passengers and crew members injured on August 4.

In a statement, Air India said safety remains its "highest priority" and confirmed that the pilot had tested positive for a psychoactive substance.

The airline said the pilot’s employment was terminated with immediate effect in line with its policy on violations involving safety, fitness and regulatory requirements.

"Safety remains Air India's highest priority. The Pilot-in-Command of the Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance. In line with Air India's zero-tolerance approach to violation of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, the pilot's employment has been terminated with immediate effect," the commercial airline said in a post on X.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety and crew fitness standards. Airlines are required to ensure that pilots are medically and operationally fit to perform their duties. Air India’s decision underscores the seriousness with which violations involving psychoactive substances are treated.

The pilot in question had tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test days after the incident, according to sources. The development came as investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the incident and reported technical glitches on board the aircraft.

Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening after the incident. While the PIC’s initial test required further confirmation, his sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory. The confirmatory test then returned positive for marijuana.

THE AUGUST 4 TURBULENCE, PLUNGE

The Airbus A320, registered as VT-EXO, was flying from Phuket to Delhi when it experienced a sudden altitude change of around 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

According to the latest government statement, 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were injured during the incident. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident under applicable regulations and International Civil Aviation Organization protocols. Notifications have also been sent to ICAO and the relevant states.

Investigators have been examining reports of multiple technical anomalies during the flight, including an autopilot disconnect, triple hydraulic failures and other technical and mechanical issues.

Hours before the pilot’s termination, the probe confirmed that the aircraft did indeed suffer a momentary loss of control due to systems failures. The probe also made clear that a drug test conducted on the 34-year-old captain of the flight confirmed the use of a psychoactive substance.

Sources said the co-pilot took manual control after the autopilot disengaged. A flight-control stall warning reportedly appeared shortly afterwards, while several indicator switches briefly went off.

France’s aviation accident investigation agency BEA, along with Airbus technical representatives, is assisting the AAIB by providing technical information and design documentation under the ICAO framework.

- Ends