An Air India flight travelling from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi suddenly faced severe turbulence and lost altitude, causing panic among passengers.According to media reports, an investigation after the incident found that one of the two pilots had failed a dope test conducted after the flight.
Both pilots removed from duty
Following the incident, both pilots were immediately removed from the flight roster. They will not be allowed to operate flights until the investigation into the sudden loss of altitude is completed.
DGCA begins investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, has started investigating the incident.Sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the DGCA is looking into the entire matter. Based on its findings, a decision will be taken on whether the case should also be handed over to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau for further investigation.
Air India declines official comment
Air India has not officially commented on the matter.An Air India spokesperson said the airline was not in a position to comment officially because the reports and findings of the post-flight dope test had not yet been shared with the airline.