Mandatory Drug Testing Implemented for Air India Pilots

Beginning Thursday, August 13, Air India has enforced mandatory drug testing for every pilot, prompted by a report indicating a captain involved in a serious mid-air incident tested positive for marijuana.

This directive was conveyed via an internal memo obtained by AFP. The airline confirmed that all its pilots would be screened for any substances or medications prohibited by current regulations.

The memo emphasized that testing is obligatory and will commence without delay.

Current Regulations Mandate Random Testing

Under existing laws, airlines must conduct random tests on at least 10% of their flight crew each year for psychoactive substances.

Air India's move expands beyond this annual random testing requirement, mandating screening for all group pilots.

This action follows incidents concerning the captain of an Air India flight that suffered a significant drop in altitude shortly after taking off from Phuket, Thailand.

Incident Involved Significant Altitude Loss

On August 4, an Airbus A320 experienced a loss of around 91 meters in altitude shortly after leaving Phuket for New Delhi, injuring at least 24 passengers.

Local media reported that the primary pilot had consumed marijuana, confirming a positive result in a follow-up test.

However, Air India has indicated that the alleged test results have not been officially communicated to them.

Indian authorities have not issued comments regarding the pilot's purported drug test results but stated they are meticulously examining evidence connected to the incident.

Investigation Supported by Airbus and BEA

The inquiry into the Phuket-New Delhi flight incident is being conducted with support from Airbus and France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA).

Investigators are diligently reviewing evidence as the investigation unfolds.

Operational Challenges for Air India Persist

This incident adds to Air India's ongoing difficulties as it seeks to revamp its operations after a string of challenges.

The airline's reputation suffered substantially in June 2025 when Air India Flight 171 tragically crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of all but one of the 242 individuals on board, along with 19 casualties on the ground.