Tourism
Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Cannabis Following Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident
An Air India captain has tested positive for cannabis following an mid-air altitude drop on a flight from Phuket to New Delhi that resulted in 17 injuries.
According to a report by Khaosod English, an Air India flight traveling from Phuket to New Delhi experienced a sudden altitude loss of approximately 300 feet last week. The incident resulted in injuries to 17 individuals on board. Following the event, the flight's captain tested positive for cannabis.
In response to the incident, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson on August 12, 2026, to address the situation.
For travelers and residents, this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety protocols and pilot conduct on international routes connecting Thailand to India. The sudden loss of altitude and the subsequent medical findings regarding the pilot raise significant questions about operational oversight and passenger safety standards.
Several details remain to be confirmed as the investigation proceeds. It is not yet clear what specific factors contributed to the aircraft's sudden altitude drop, nor has the airline released a comprehensive statement regarding the pilot's employment status or the specific timeline of the testing. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the Ministry of Civil Aviation continues its review of the incident.