Air India has terminated the pilot‑in‑command of its Phuket–Delhi A320 flight after the pilot tested positive for a psychoactive substance, following a serious mid‑air incident on 4 August that left 24 passengers injured. The decision comes after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) flagged the pilot’s drug use as a major safety concern and urged the aviation regulator DGCA to take strict action.
According to the AAIB’s preliminary report, the aircraft — carrying 145 people — suddenly lost nearly 300 feet in altitude while cruising at 36,000 feet. The jet experienced an almost simultaneous failure of all three hydraulic systems, triggering an autopilot disconnect, a brief stall warning, and an altitude upset. The abrupt drop caused passengers to be thrown forward, resulting in multiple injuries.
Air India said it followed its zero‑tolerance policy on safety, fitness, and regulatory compliance. The airline emphasised that any violation involving substance use is grounds for immediate dismissal, especially when linked to an incident that endangered passengers.
The AAIB report noted that the pilot’s drug test results were “a serious concern,” and recommended DGCA review procedures to ensure stricter monitoring of crew fitness. Aviation experts say the combination of a rare triple‑hydraulic failure and an impaired pilot could have led to a far more catastrophic outcome.