‘Pilot seemed high, eyes were red’: Passenger after turbulence-hit Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana

A passenger aboard the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost altitude and dropped around 300 feet, injuring 24 people, has claimed that the pilot-in-command appeared to be “high” before takeoff.

The passenger’s remarks came after the pilot reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test following the August 4 incident, according to reports.

Flight AI2379 was carrying out its journey from Phuket to Delhi when it experienced severe turbulence and a sudden loss of altitude during the flight. Twenty passengers and four crew members were injured, prompting the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to launch a probe.

Under standard procedures, both pilots were screened for psychoactive substances after the aircraft landed in Delhi. The pilot-in-command’s initial test was reported as “non-negative”, requiring confirmatory testing at a designated laboratory. An official cited by Hindustan Times said the confirmatory test later returned positive for marijuana.

The passenger, who was travelling with his brother, told NDTV that he spoke to the pilot before boarding and felt that he appeared intoxicated.

“My brother and I were the last passengers to board the flight, and the pilot boarded with us. I spoke to him and asked him whether the flight was on time or if we were late. He was very slow to respond, and his eyes were red,” the passenger said.

He claimed he told his brother at the time that the pilot “seemed high”, but acknowledged there was no way for him to know whether the pilot’s condition was serious enough to prevent the flight from taking off.

What happened on the Phuket-Delhi flight?

The aircraft reportedly experienced severe turbulence during cruise and suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude, leaving passengers with injuries to their heads, backs and other parts of the body.

One passenger told ANI that the aircraft suddenly appeared to stop and move violently for several minutes while many passengers were asleep.

“ Around 15-20 passengers got injured. Somebody’s head was hit, a baby was injured, and my lower back was injured. My brother’s shoulder was hit, and his eardrums are also damaged,” the passenger said.

Passenger alleges pilot asked people not to record

The passenger who spoke to NDTV also alleged that the pilot came out of the cockpit after landing in Delhi and asked passengers not to record the incident, reportedly saying that the matter could become a major controversy.

The passenger questioned the pilot’s priorities, saying passengers had been in a “life-and-death situation” and needed medical assistance.

He also claimed the pilot had discussed Lucknow as a possible alternative landing location but ultimately chose Delhi, reportedly citing better medical facilities there.

AAIB probe underway

The AAIB said it was systematically collecting, preserving and examining relevant evidence as part of the investigation. This includes the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and interviews with people connected to the incident.

The agency has said conclusions will be drawn only after a complete examination of the available evidence.

Air India declined to comment on the reported findings while the investigation is ongoing.

“As the investigative process is ongoing, Air India cannot comment on any findings or observations related to the investigation. We will continue to extend our full cooperation to relevant authorities as required,” an airline spokesperson said.