National Desk: In the wake of the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that suddenly lost approximately 300 feet of altitude, discussions have now intensified regarding the pilots' drug test results. Sources claim that both pilots tested positive for the drug. 

Following the incident, questions have arisen regarding passenger safety on Air India flights and the medical checkups of pilots. A large number of passengers travel on Air India flights daily. Consequently, questions regarding pilot fitness and the mandatory pre-flight screening process have become crucial.

This incident has once again raised serious questions about safety standards in airline operations and pilot fitness checks. To ensure passenger safety, impartial investigations of such incidents and transparency regarding compliance with regulations are essential.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation states that the screening test of the pilot-in-command (PIC) of the Air India A320 aircraft that experienced a sudden altitude loss during the Phuket-Delhi flight on August 4th has yielded results that require verification. The samples have been sent to a laboratory and the final report is awaited.

The ministry said that following the incident, the flight crew members were tested for drug abuse as per standard operating procedure. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has removed both pilots from the roster pending the completion of the investigation.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement, "On August 4, M/s Air India A320 aircraft VT-EXO, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi, suddenly descended approximately 300 feet during cruise, following which the aircraft stabilized and was later safely landed in Delhi."

It said, "During the incident, some passengers and cabin crew members on board the aircraft sustained injuries. There were 137 passengers on board, including three infants, and eight crew members (two pilots and six cabin crew)." Regarding the pilot's testing, the ministry said, "As per standard operating procedure following such an incident, both flight crew members were subjected to a prescribed substance abuse test. The pilot-in-command (PIC) screening test has yielded results that require further analysis."