New Delhi: Air India has introduced mandatory drug screening for all pilots across Air India and Air India Express after the captain of a Phuket-Delhi flight reportedly tested positive for marijuana.
The airline began the fresh testing exercise on Thursday, August 13, saying the move is intended to strengthen safety standards and provide greater confidence to passengers.
All Air India Pilots to Undergo Screening
Air India has asked all pilots in its group to undergo drug testing. The airline said it already follows the drug and substance-testing requirements set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), but has decided to carry out additional screening as a precaution.
The tests will take place at locations including the airline’s Gurugram training academy, flight briefing centres and offices.
In its communication to employees, Air India said the additional testing is aimed at identifying substances or medications that may not be permitted under aviation rules.
The airline described the initiative as an additional step to maintain high levels of professionalism and flight safety.
Why Air India Ordered the Tests
The decision follows the controversy surrounding Air India flight AI-2379, which was operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4.
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude while flying over Odisha. At least 20 passengers and four crew members were reportedly injured during the incident.
The captain later tested positive for marijuana in two drug tests, according to reports.
An internal safety report reportedly stated that the captain was not in the cockpit when the sudden altitude loss occurred and that the co-pilot was in command at the time.
Captain Reportedly Had Sleep Problems
According to the internal report, the captain told investigators that he had been experiencing difficulty sleeping and had been prescribed medication by his family doctor.
He reportedly said that he was unable to sleep properly during the layover in Phuket and decided to take a walk because he believed some light physical activity could help.
The captain also reportedly raised concerns about his roster, saying that although his duties were within the prescribed rest limits, the schedule had reduced the amount of daytime rest available to him.
Air India Express Asks Pilots to Self-Declare
Alongside the mandatory testing, Air India Express has encouraged employees to voluntarily report the use or misuse of psychoactive substances that could affect their fitness for duty.
The airline said such disclosures would be handled confidentially, with information being shared only with authorised officials on a need-to-know basis.
The latest measures highlight the growing focus on pilot fitness, drug testing and aviation safety following the Phuket-Delhi incident.
Air India is expected to face continued scrutiny as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the flight and the procedures followed before and after the incident.
