Air India has taken the pilot-in-command of its Phuket-Delhi flight off the roster after his preliminary dope test was not negative, the airline said. The test sample has been sent for confirmatory analysis.
The action relates to the August 4 flight that dipped suddenly by 300 feet, causing injuries to some passengers and crew members. The pilot was the commander of that flight.
According to reports, the pilot is now undergoing confirmatory analysis to determine the final result. The airline has not specified the substance involved or the pilot's identity.
The sudden descent of the aircraft during the journey led to injuries among those on board. The exact number of injured passengers and crew has not been disclosed.
Air India has not yet commented further on the incident or the pilot's status beyond confirming the roster removal and the confirmatory test.
The development comes as aviation regulators maintain strict rules on crew fitness and substance use. The outcome of the confirmatory analysis is awaited.