Air India has terminated the employment of Sudeep Vasishtha, the Pilot-in-Command of Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379, after he tested positive for a psychoactive substance.
The airline said it decided to act immediately under its zero-tolerance policy toward violations of safety, fitness, and regulatory requirements.
The development comes a month after the flight experienced a sudden loss of around 300 feet in altitude on August 4, leaving 24 passengers and crew members injured. The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
Both pilots underwent mandatory screening following the incident. The captain’s sample was sent for confirmatory testing, which reportedly returned positive for marijuana.
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is continuing its probe into the incident. Investigators are also examining technical issues, including the reported autopilot disconnect and hydraulic system failures during the flight.
Air India reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that violations of aviation safety standards will not be tolerated.