Air India Pilot Terminated After Substance Test

An Air India pilot has been terminated from his position following a confirmed positive test for a psychoactive substance, days after a preliminary report detailed a significant mid-air incident involving flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi. The airline announced the dismissal on September 4, citing a zero-tolerance policy for breaches of safety and regulatory requirements. The incident occurred on August 4, 2026, when the Airbus A320 aircraft experienced a near-simultaneous loss of pressure across all three of its hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet. This failure led to the autopilot disengaging and triggered a brief stall warning, resulting in a sudden altitude upset. The aircraft climbed approximately 372 feet above its assigned level before descending about 292 feet below it. The abrupt movement, which occurred while seatbelt signs were off, caused injuries to 24 people on board, including 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. Four individuals required hospitalization for serious injuries. The cabin sustained visible damage, with reports of cracked ceiling panels, dislodged overhead bin doors, broken handrails, and damaged passenger service units.