the captain attempted to smoke inside the flight deck.
An Air India pilot reportedly tested positive for cannabis after an Airbus A320 suddenly plunged around 300 feet during a flight from Phuket to Delhi.
The August 4 incident left 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured, according to reports.
The pilots eventually regained control of the aircraft after the sudden loss of altitude.
Both pilots have since been removed from flying duties while the investigation continues.
The reported positive cannabis test involved one of the pilots.
However, investigators have not established any connection between the test and the aircraft’s sudden descent.
Cabin crew reportedly raised concerns with Air India about the captain’s behaviour during the flight.
One person reportedly claimed the captain struggled to remain seated and required assistance from cabin crew.
The report also alleged that the captain attempted to smoke inside the flight deck.
The captain was reportedly unable to walk properly after leaving the aircraft.
Air India has now announced plans to drug test all of its pilots.
The airline previously followed Indian regulations requiring airlines to test at least 10% of flight crew annually.
Air India’s senior vice president for flight operations said the airline would now expand its screening procedures.
The airline plans to screen pilots for prohibited substances and medications.
The decision comes as Air India faces increased scrutiny over aviation safety.
The latest incident is separate from the fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad last year.
An Air India Boeing 787 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people.
Investigators have continued examining the circumstances surrounding that disaster.
According to reports, investigators ruled out mechanical failure. There was also no evidence of sabotage.
Pilot action has remained a major line of inquiry, although the investigation is ongoing.
The findings from that investigation have not been made public.
In regard to the August 4 incident, authorities have not confirmed why the Airbus A320 suddenly lost altitude.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, cockpit activity and crew condition.
They will also assess whether the pilot’s reported positive test had any relevance.
Air India’s expanded testing programme could lead to greater scrutiny of substance use among pilots.
However, the airline has not said that cannabis caused or contributed to the mid-air plunge.
The investigation will determine what caused the aircraft to suddenly lose altitude.
