Air India has removed the pilots of flight AI2379 from duty after a severe turbulence incident on August 4, 2026, caused 17 injuries. While reports indicate one pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances, the airline states it has not officially received the findings. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is currently investigating the incident, raising questions about operational safety at the carrier.
Air India is facing significant regulatory and operational scrutiny following a severe turbulence event on flight AI2379, which operated from Phuket to New Delhi on August 4, 2026. The incident, which caused the aircraft to experience a sudden drop in altitude, resulted in injuries to 17 passengers and crew members. In the aftermath, both the captain and the first officer involved have been removed from flying duties pending a comprehensive inquiry.
Following the incident, reports emerged that the pilot had tested positive for psychoactive substances during a mandatory post-flight dope test. However, Air India has clarified that it has not yet received any official communication from the authorities regarding these test results. The airline confirmed that the crew members remain off-duty while the investigation proceeds.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal probe into the incident. Regulators are examining the sequence of events, including cockpit recordings and flight data, to determine what caused the severe turbulence and whether proper safety protocols were followed during the event. This investigation is critical, as it will determine if further action is needed from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
For the Tata Group-owned airline, this incident adds pressure to an already challenging operational environment. Air India is currently undergoing a massive multi-year turnaround effort. According to the company's financial data for the fiscal year 2025–26, the airline reported a loss of approximately ₹22,238 crore. These financial struggles, combined with high fuel costs and intense competition, make maintaining high operational standards and passenger trust essential.
Investors and industry observers are watching how the airline manages this situation, as reputational risk remains high in the aviation sector. Any findings of negligence or safety violations could lead to stricter regulatory oversight and increased compliance costs. The carrier's ability to maintain safety protocols while executing its financial turnaround plan remains a key point of focus for stakeholders. The next important update will be the findings from the DGCA’s ongoing probe, which will clarify the circumstances surrounding both the turbulence incident and the pilot's test results.