Last week, a plane flying from Phuket, Thailand to New Delhi, India, suddenly dropped 300 feet below its designated altitude, injuring several passengers and crew members.
An investigation later confirmed that the pilot of the plane had used marijuana, the report said. Following the incident, Air India has decided to conduct tests on all its pilots with immediate effect to find out if they have used banned substances. According to current rules, only 10% of pilots are tested randomly.
Indian authorities are currently investigating the incident in conjunction with Airbus and the French aviation safety agency. Both pilots who flew the plane have been suspended from service until the investigation is completed.
In June 2025, a flight from Ahmedabad, India to London crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. The incident brought criticism to Air India and raised questions about its safety practices.