Source NDTV
NEW DELHI — Air India has ordered a mandatory drug and psychoactive substance screening for its entire cockpit crew after the pilot-in-command of a recent international flight tested positive for marijuana.
The move, announced in an internal directive to pilots, marks an unprecedented fleet-wide testing drive aimed at upholding regulatory compliance and restoring public confidence in aviation safety.
Key Highlights
Mandatory Testing: All Air India Group pilots must undergo mandatory screening for unpermitted drugs and controlled substances starting August 13, 2026.
Positive Confirmatory Test: The captain operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to New Delhi on August 4 tested positive for marijuana during a post-flight confirmatory dope test.
Mid-Air Incident: Flight AI2379, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, suffered a sudden 300-foot loss of altitude during cruise, resulting in injuries to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members.
Off-Rostered: Both flight crew members have been removed from flying duties pending an investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and regulatory action by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Airline Statement and Group Mandate
In an internal communication distributed to flight crew members, Air India Group management emphasized that while the airline already adheres to all mandatory DGCA drug testing protocols, the recent incident warrants immediate, comprehensive action:
“Air India already fully complies with all regulatory requirements prescribed by India’s DGCA, which are similar to those practiced in other major aviation jurisdictions including Europe and the United States. We nevertheless now feel that it is important to go further. Accordingly, we have decided to undertake a full screening of all Group pilots for any substances or medications that are not permitted under prevailing regulations. This testing is mandatory.”
Incident Overview and Ongoing Probe
The regulatory crackdown stems from an incident on August 4 involving flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo flying from Phuket to New Delhi. While cruising, the aircraft experienced a sharp, sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet. Although the aircraft stabilized and landed safely in the national capital, two crew members suffered severe injuries requiring hospitalization.
In line with standard operating procedures following a serious air safety event, both pilots were subjected to post-arrival screening for psychoactive substances. While the co-pilot cleared the test, the pilot-in-command’s initial screening yielded a “non-negative” result. A subsequent laboratory confirmatory test confirmed the presence of marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) in his system.
Investigators from the AAIB are currently examining multiple vectors—including potential technical glitches (such as autopilot disengagement and flight control warnings) alongside human factors and medical records—to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the altitude drop.
Under DGCA regulations, a first-time positive drug test results in immediate removal from duty and mandatory referral to a recognized rehabilitation program. Subsequent violations carry a three-year license suspension or permanent cancellation.
