Air India To Test All Pilots For Drugs After Captain Tests Positive For Marijuana

Air India is expanding its substance testing programme to cover all pilots after a captain involved in a recent mid-air incident reportedly tested positive for marijuana.

The airline will begin mandatory testing for its pilots from Thursday, August 13, going beyond the minimum checks required under India's aviation regulations. The move comes as authorities continue investigating an incident involving an Air India flight that suddenly lost altitude during its journey from Phuket to Delhi.

Air India To Go Beyond Existing Testing Rules

According to an internal memo, Air India will conduct mandatory substance tests for all its pilots. The screening will look for substances and medications prohibited under aviation regulations.

The tests will be conducted at multiple locations, including the airline's training academy in Gurugram. Pilots may also undergo testing at briefing centres, offices or locations designated according to their home bases.

Pilots working for Air India's budget subsidiary, Air India Express, will also be covered by the expanded testing programme.

The airline said it had decided to go beyond the existing regulatory requirement as part of its effort to strengthen safety standards and reassure passengers and other stakeholders.

What Do Current Aviation Rules Require?

Existing regulations require airlines to randomly test at least 10% of their flight crew for psychoactive substances every year.

Air India's new policy will therefore represent a much broader testing programme, with checks extending to its entire pilot workforce rather than being limited to the minimum percentage required by regulation.

The airline's decision comes at a time when aviation safety is under increased scrutiny following the recent incident.

Pilot Tested Positive After Mid-Air Incident

The expanded testing follows an August 4 incident involving an Air India Airbus A320neo travelling from Phuket to Delhi.

The aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet, or approximately 91 metres, of altitude during cruise.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the flight's captain subsequently tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and the drug test result is one part of the wider scrutiny surrounding the flight.

Airline Says Safety Is The Priority

Air India's decision to test all pilots reflects a broader focus on ensuring that flight crew are fit to operate aircraft and comply with aviation safety requirements.

The airline has not publicly commented in detail on the specific test result. However, its internal communication said the expanded initiative was intended to reinforce safety standards and provide reassurance to passengers.

The new testing regime will now apply across Air India's pilot workforce, while Air India Express pilots will also be subject to the checks.

As the investigation into the August 4 flight incident continues, the expanded testing programme is set to become an important additional safety measure for the airline.