Following recent developments on Air India flight AI2379 operating from Phuket to New Delhi, Captain Sudeep Vashistha has become the focus of widespread attention across the aviation sector. Having risen from a trainee pilot to commanding Airbus A320 aircraft over a career spanning nearly nine to ten years, Captain Vashistha now finds his professional record under scrutiny. With investigations underway by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, key facts regarding his career trajectory and the allegations are coming to light.
Selection as Senior Trainee Pilot and First Officer Role
According to public records, Sudeep Vashistha was born on February 19, 1992. He entered the aviation industry roughly a decade ago and participated in the Air India Senior Trainee Pilot recruitment process during 2016-17. Official records from that selection drive list his candidate roll number as STPDG-98. After completing the selection requirements, he formally commenced his professional flying career with Air India in 2017, taking on the role of First Officer.
Promotion to Airbus A320 Captain and Flight Experience
After joining as First Officer, Sudeep Vashistha accumulated extensive flying experience operating aircraft belonging to the Airbus A320 family. Based on his accumulated flying hours and performance, he earned a promotion to become a Captain commanding Airbus A320 aircraft for Air India. Over his 9 to 10 years in the airline industry, he commanded numerous flights and established himself among the operational flight crew of the national carrier.
The Phuket Flight AI2379 Incident and Cannabis Allegations
The current controversy stems from events associated with flight AI2379 traveling from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi. Various reports citing sources indicate that allegations involving cannabis use in Phuket were raised in connection with Captain Sudeep Vashistha. However, it remains documented that these claims and allegations have not received any official or legal confirmation to date.
Regulatory Scrutiny by DGCA and AAIB
Alongside the Phuket allegations, unconfirmed reports citing sources claim that Captain Vashistha was previously linked to an earlier aviation incident or accident, though this assertion also lacks official verification. Presently, both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are conducting a thorough probe into the matter. Official regulatory findings will determine the verified facts once the investigation concludes.
