Air India Pilot Allegedly Under Marijuana Influence During Phuket-Delhi Flight; 24 Injured

Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden 300-feet altitude drop on August 4 while cruising over Odisha, injuring at least 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. The Airbus A320neo carried 137 passengers and eight crew members.

Official findings and cabin crew accounts indicate pilot-in-command Sudeep Vashistha was under the influence of marijuana and displayed erratic behaviour in the cockpit. Crew members alleged he sat on the flight deck floor, stood behind the co-pilot's seat during the critical descent, and attempted to smoke inside the cockpit. The co-pilot reportedly had to stabilise the aircraft and navigate the landing independently.

Confirmatory drug testing returned positive results for psychoactive substances, raising serious flight safety concerns. Post-flight maintenance reports also documented multiple technical issues and mechanical system warnings during cruise. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau confirmed involvement in the investigation.