04 September,2026 12:34 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
The investigation agency said a detailed probe into the technical and other aspects of the incident is currently underway. Representational Pic
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has flagged a ânon-negative' test for a psychoactive substance involving the pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suffered a sudden altitude drop over Odisha on August 4.
In its preliminary report, the AAIB described the confirmation of drug use by the pilot-in-command as a serious concern and asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take appropriate action.
The agency, however, said its detailed investigation into the technical and other aspects of the incident is still underway.
Air India flight A12379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, reportedly experienced a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude while flying over Odisha.
The Airbus A320, registered as VT-EXO, subsequently stabilised and continued its journey before landing safely in Delhi.
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members, two pilots and six cabin crew.
Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured in the incident.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the AAIB was investigating the incident and that the government would decide on further action based on the findings of the preliminary report.
Speaking to reporters, Kinjarapu stressed that the investigation must be based on thoroughly verified facts and that conclusions should not be rushed. He said the government has full confidence in the AAIB and would await its findings before deciding on additional measures.
Amid the incident, the DGCA is reviewing a proposal to introduce random testing for pilots throughout the year, according to ANI.
Under the proposal, pilots could be tested at random points during the year rather than within a limited testing window. The move is being discussed with airlines and other stakeholders.
Kinjarapu said the government would consider strengthening aviation safety protocols after consultations are completed, while taking operational requirements into account.
The minister said mandatory pilot testing currently covers 10 per cent of pilots.
The government is discussing with airlines the possibility of extending testing coverage to 100 per cent, with tests conducted randomly throughout the year.
Kinjarapu said the objective is to strengthen the monitoring system while maintaining a balance between aviation safety and operational requirements.
He added that flying checks are already conducted in line with international norms, but authorities are examining whether monitoring mechanisms can be made more stringent.
Kinjarapu said any additional safety measures would be considered after the AAIB's findings and the ongoing DGCA consultations.
He reiterated that the government would take steps to strengthen aviation safety wherever necessary, while ensuring that decisions are based on verified evidence.
The minister also addressed the operational and financial challenges facing Indian airlines, including SpiceJet.
Kinjarapu said the Civil Aviation Ministry holds monthly discussions with airlines to assess difficulties affecting their operations.
According to the minister, SpiceJet has also been part of these discussions, with the government encouraging the airline to strengthen its operations, particularly its financial position.
He said the airline has assured the ministry that it would take steps to address the issues soon.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
