NEW DELHI: Air India on Sunday (Aug 9), said that the airline “undertakes regular drug testing of crew members” in compliance with civil aviation regulations.
This comes amid reports claiming that the captain of Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi, which was hit by severe turbulence and left many injured, had allegedly tested positive for psychoactive substances.
However, the airline stated that “the results of the test have not been shared with Air India,” IANS reported.
As per reports, the test was conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi on August 4.
“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are, therefore, not in a position to comment on any findings,” read a statement from an Air India spokesperson.
The spokesperson added that the airline will “continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required.”
The Airbus A320, which was carrying 145 people, faced severe turbulence while flying over Odisha before experiencing a sudden drop of nearly 300 feet.
After the incident, eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment, while others were provided with the necessary assistance and support.
Later on, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) began a detailed investigation into the incident, according to IANS.
It was stated that Air India Flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, encountered a momentary altitude variation during the flight. The aircraft landed safely at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, as well as eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew. - The Statesman/ANN
