A passenger on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi has claimed the captain appeared under the influence during boarding and later discouraged recordings after a sudden mid-air drop. The flight, AI-2379, carried 137 passengers and eight crew members on August 4 when it lost about 300 feet of altitude during the cruise phase. At least 20 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries.
The anonymous passenger, speaking days after the event, said he and his brother were among the last to board and entered the aircraft alongside the pilot. When asked about the flight’s schedule, the captain responded slowly and had red eyes. The passenger told his brother at the time that the pilot seemed high. He later noted that initial public reaction to his observation included skepticism and online mockery until subsequent reports emerged about the pilot failing drug tests.
During the flight, roughly two hours after departure and following the meal service, the cabin suddenly experienced a loud noise resembling a jet engine. The passenger described seeing his brother strike the ceiling multiple times while objects flew around. Passengers were bleeding, shouting, and calling for help.
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The captain then left the cockpit and instructed passengers not to record the aftermath, stating it would turn a minor matter into a major issue. The passenger questioned this priority during a serious situation and criticized the decision against an emergency landing. He recalled the pilot mentioning that Lucknow lacked adequate medical facilities and therefore preferred continuing to Delhi.
The passenger also raised concerns about why standard procedures for immediate medical attention were not followed. The incident has drawn attention to crew fitness protocols and passenger safety on international routes. Investigations into the altitude loss and the pilot’s condition are understood to be ongoing.