Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: Captain Fails Drug Screening, Blames Medication and Sleep Issues
12 Aug 2026 7:17 PM IST12 Aug 2026 7:17 PM IST
As part of the Standard Operating Procedures following such an occurrence, both flight pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)
Representational Image— DC File
NEW DELHI: The captain of the Air India A320 Phuket-Delhi flight that plunged about 300 feet last week has reportedly said that he had been suffering from sleep problems and was taking medication prescribed by his family doctor, amid reports that he tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test.
In a flight safety statement quoted by national TV channel, the captain disclosed that he had been experiencing difficulty sleeping due to personal circumstances and had been prescribed medication by his family doctor.
“I disclose, for completeness, that I had separately been experiencing sleep difficulty over a preceding period, related to personal circumstances, for which I had been prescribed medication by my family doctor,” the pilot said.
He also reportedly raised concerns over his roster and duty schedule.
A cabin crew member is learnt to have complained to Air India about the captain’s conduct, alleging that he appeared disoriented. Questions have also arisen over whether the pilot had declared the medication he was taking and how he was cleared for flying duty.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is investigating the incident, has declined to comment on these issues pending the completion of its inquiry.
Aviation analyst Sanjay Lazar said in a post on X that a pilot was duty-bound to disclose medication being taken.
He also referred to media reports about a purported preliminary report submitted by Air India to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation that mentioned a “suspected transient technical fault”, saying that this aspect also warranted examination.
“I disclose, for completeness, that I had separately been experiencing sleep difficulty over a preceding period, related to personal circumstances, for which I had been prescribed medication by my family doctor,” the pilot said.
He also reportedly raised concerns over his roster and duty schedule.
A cabin crew member is learnt to have complained to Air India about the captain’s conduct, alleging that he appeared disoriented. Questions have also arisen over whether the pilot had declared the medication he was taking and how he was cleared for flying duty.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is investigating the incident, has declined to comment on these issues pending the completion of its inquiry.
Aviation analyst Sanjay Lazar said in a post on X that a pilot was duty-bound to disclose medication being taken.
He also referred to media reports about a purported preliminary report submitted by Air India to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation that mentioned a “suspected transient technical fault”, saying that this aspect also warranted examination.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle with agency inputs )
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