Air India pilot undergoes confirmatory drug test after turbulence incident injures 17

India’s aviation authorities have launched an investigation after an Air India flight experienced severe turbulence

India’s aviation authorities have launched an investigation after an Air India flight experienced severe turbulence that injured 17 passengers and crew members, with the pilot now undergoing additional testing following an initial screening result.

The incident occurred on August 4 when an Air India Airbus A320 was travelling from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it suddenly lost approximately 300 feet, or 91 metres, in altitude before recovering and continuing its journey safely.

After the aircraft landed in the Indian capital, eight passengers and four cabin crew members were taken to hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities said their conditions were stable.

Following the incident, both pilots underwent routine screening for psychoactive substances, as required under aviation safety procedures. According to India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, the initial screening involving the pilot-in-command produced a result that required further examination.

The ministry said the pilot’s sample has been sent to an authorised laboratory for confirmatory analysis. Officials are now waiting for the final laboratory report before deciding whether any further action is necessary.

The aviation ministry has classified the incident as a “Serious Incident”, prompting India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to begin a formal investigation into what happened aboard the aircraft.

Both pilots have also been temporarily removed from flight duties while the investigation and confirmatory testing are underway. Authorities said any additional measures will depend on the findings of the investigation and the results of the laboratory analysis.

Footage shared after the incident showed signs of the turbulence inside the aircraft, including cabin baggage scattered along the aisle. Some injured passengers were reportedly carried from the aircraft on stretchers after landing.

Air India separately confirmed that its pilots had undergone post-flight screening following the incident. However, the airline said the results of those tests had not been provided to the company.

The incident represents another challenge for Air India as the carrier continues a major transformation under the ownership of India’s Tata Group. Since acquiring control of the airline in 2022, Tata has undertaken an extensive modernisation programme, including placing large aircraft orders and working to upgrade Air India’s ageing fleet and operations.

The airline has made progress in integrating its aviation businesses and improving its services, but it continues to face several difficulties. These include delays in aircraft deliveries and disruptions caused by airspace closures linked to the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.

Air India has also been attempting to rebuild public confidence following a far more devastating accident in June 2025. Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner travelling to London, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. The accident killed all but one of the 242 people aboard the aircraft, while 19 people on the ground also lost their lives.

As the airline works to recover from recent setbacks, it has appointed aviation industry veteran Tewolde Gebremariam, the former chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new CEO. He is expected to play a key role in the company’s efforts to strengthen operations, restore confidence and lead its broader turnaround strategy.

The latest turbulence incident will now be closely examined by Indian aviation authorities as they determine its cause and assess whether any further safety measures are required.