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Air India has terminated the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight after his drug test returned positive for a psychoactive substance.

The pilot was accused of flying the aircraft after consuming cannabis.

The initial report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday also confirmed that the pilot-in-command of the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi had tested positive for a psychoactive substance.

Following the report, Air India terminated the pilot’s employment with immediate effect.

In a post on X, the Air India said, "We acknowledge the release of the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and continue to extend our full cooperation to the investigation, including providing access to all relevant operational, maintenance and technical records. Safety remains Air India's highest priority. Our pilots undergo rigorous training, regular proficiency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory assessments in accordance with applicable national and international requirements. Following the incident, Air India has started voluntary testing of 100% of its pilots as a further step to reinforce its safety-first approach. The airline maintains zero tolerance for any breach of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements and will take appropriate action wherever warranted. Air India remains committed to implementing any recommendations arising from the investigation.”

"Safety remains Air India's highest priority. The Pilot-in-Command of the Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance. In line with Air India's zero-tolerance approach to violation of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, the pilot's employment has been terminated with immediate effect," the Air India spokesperson added.