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Air India To Conduct Drug Test For All Pilots (Img: X)
New Delhi: Air India has announced mandatory screening of all its pilots for prohibited substances and medications following heightened concerns over flight safety after the Phuket-Delhi incident, where an aircraft experienced a sudden altitude variation of nearly 300 feet during cruise.
According to an internal communication reviewed by news agency Reuters, the airline will begin the expanded testing process from Thursday. The move goes beyond current regulatory requirements and comes as aviation authorities intensify scrutiny of pilot fitness and safety protocols.
The decision follows the August 4 incident involving Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft reportedly witnessed a sudden change in altitude during the flight before stabilising and landing safely at Delhi airport.
The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members. Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries during the incident.
Following the occurrence, both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening as part of the investigation process. The pilot-in-command’s initial test showed a positive result, which was later confirmed by a designated laboratory. Authorities said the test indicated the presence of marijuana.
Both pilots were removed from flying duties pending completion of the investigation and further procedures.
The incident has also prompted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to examine whether India’s existing system for testing pilots and aviation personnel for psychoactive substances requires stricter regulations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been asked to review international practices and assess whether current testing procedures need to be strengthened.
Under the existing framework, aviation personnel who test positive are referred for rehabilitation programmes. A second positive result can lead to suspension of the licence for three years, while repeated violations may result in licence cancellation.
Air India’s decision to test its entire pilot workforce represents a stricter approach than current aviation rules require. The airline said the screening will cover all pilots to ensure compliance with safety standards and strengthen passenger confidence.
The government is also examining tougher enforcement measures and possible changes to existing regulations after reviewing global aviation safety practices.
