Indian Airlines pilot subjected to drug test after plane crash-lands on flight between Phuket and New Delhi

Mumbai (India), August 9, 2026 (AFP) – A pilot with Air India underwent an in-depth drug test after the aircraft he was piloting experienced a sudden drop for a period of time in an incident that left 17 people injured, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced.

On August 4, an Air India Airbus A320 suddenly dropped 91 meters during a flight from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi, before stabilizing and landing without any significant issues.

Among the injured were eight passengers and four crew members, who were taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Both pilots underwent a standard drug screening test, according to a statement from the ministry.

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has opened an investigation into the incident, which has been classified as “serious.”

This incident marks a new chapter in a series of accidents shaking the Indian airline.

Since the Tata Group acquired the airline in 2022, it has launched a wide-ranging program to modernize its aging fleet. However, Air India continues to face challenges, most notably delivery delays and airspace closures due to the conflict between India and Pakistan.

The company suffered a severe blow in June 2025 when a plane bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 242 passengers on board, as well as 19 people on the runway.