Tourism
Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Drugs Following Phuket-New Delhi Flight Incident
An Air India pilot has tested positive for cannabis following a sudden altitude drop on a flight from Phuket to New Delhi that left 17 people injured.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, an Air India flight operating the route from Phuket to New Delhi experienced a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet last week. The incident resulted in injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members. Following the event, medical testing revealed that the pilot tested positive for cannabis.
This incident is currently under investigation by Indian authorities. Reports indicate that the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson to provide an explanation regarding the incident, which involved an Airbus A320neo aircraft. While Wilson has stated that the airline is keeping the ministry updated on the progress of the investigation, both Air India and the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation have yet to provide official comments on the pilot's test results.
For travelers and residents, this news highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety protocols and the rigorousness of pilot health screenings. As the investigation is still in its early stages, several details remain to be confirmed, including the specific circumstances that led to the altitude drop and the potential regulatory consequences for the airline. Passengers who frequently travel between Thailand and India may wish to monitor further updates from official aviation authorities as the inquiry proceeds.