Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Psychoactive Substances After Turbulence Incident

Italian tourists were among those aboard an Air India flight that hit severe turbulence on Aug. 4, 2026, while traveling from the Thai island of Phuket to New Delhi, India. India's Civil Aviation Ministry said the pilot of the Airbus A320 tested positive for psychoactive substances in an initial screening.

A second test is required, but the pilot has been suspended from duty pending further investigation. The ministry indicated the commander may have taken a psychoactive substance, though no final determination has been made.