Air India on Thursday said all pilots will be screened for substance abuse before departures, days after the pilot-in-command (PIC) of a Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost altitude last week tested positive for marijuana.
Twenty-four people, including four crew members, suffered injuries after the Phuket-Delhi AI2379 flight dropped 300 feet during cruise on August 4. An initial statement from Air India had cited turbulence as the reason. The PIC later tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test.
In an email to all its employees reviewed by HT, the Tata Group-owned airline stressed the need to go beyond the regulations prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) “ to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, and to provide reassurance to our passengers, stakeholders and the community at large.”
“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 and will start today, 13 August 2026,” the airline said.
“It will be conducted concurrent with training at the Gurugram Academy, post flight at our Flight Briefing Centres / Air India Offices, or at locations provided by your respective bases,” it added.
{{/usCountry}}“It will be conducted concurrent with training at the Gurugram Academy, post flight at our Flight Briefing Centres / Air India Offices, or at locations provided by your respective bases,” it added.
{{/usCountry}}The airline said for decades, it has been the flag bearer of Indian aviation. “Over this time the professionalism, skill and commitment to safety of our pilots, together with other staff, has earned the trust of millions of passengers and the wider community. This trust is our most important asset, and it is vital that we do all possible to protect and sustain it. Many of you have recently reached out to share the same sentiment,” it said.
“As you know, 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,” it added.
The pilots have been off-rostered pending a probe. The incident was classified as a serious one and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
As part of prescribed procedures, both pilots underwent a screening for psychoactive substances after the flight landed in the Capital. The initial screening of the PIC had indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing, following which the sample was sent to a designated laboratory.
On Wednesday, Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said two crew members who suffered spinal injuries in the incident remained admitted at Fortis Hospital.
The AAIB is investigating the circumstances surrounding the occurrence, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is responsible for regulatory action based on the outcome of the investigation and the prescribed testing process.