The pilot of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that experienced turbulence earlier this week reportedly returned a positive result for psychoactive substances in a post-arrival drug test. The Times of India, citing sources, disclosed the finding on Sunday. Air India neither confirmed nor denied the claim but stated that while screening occurred, results were not provided to the carrier. A company spokesperson noted that a post-flight test followed standard procedures yet outcomes remain undisclosed to the airline, preventing comment. The carrier emphasized routine crew drug testing under aviation rules regardless of incidents and pledged continued cooperation with authorities. On Tuesday the Phuket-Delhi service encountered clear air turbulence, producing a brief altitude change. Fourteen passengers and crew sustained minor injuries; the aircraft landed normally at Delhi airport. The airline confirmed the event caused no serious harm and arranged medical checks for those affected. The pilot described a sudden 300-foot drop. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the DGCA is examining the cause and reported most injured passengers were treated and released. A passenger later filed a complaint alleging the drop injured two elderly relatives.
