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In the wake of the AI2379 Phuket-Delhi incident and a pilot's confirmed positive test for marijuana, Air India has ordered mandatory substance-abuse screening
for all its pilots, while the Centre is simultaneously considering a major tightening of aviation dope-testing regulations, government sources said.
Testing To Begin Today: Air India
In an internal communication accessed by Times Now, Air India informed pilots that it would undertake a "full screening" of all Group pilots for substances or medications prohibited under prevailing regulations. The airline said the testing programme would begin on August 13 and would be mandatory for all pilots.
"This trust is our most important asset, and it is vital that we do all possible to protect and sustain it," the airline said in the letter, referring to the confidence placed in Air India by passengers and the wider community.
The carrier acknowledged that it already complies with all Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requirements but said it had decided to go a step further.
"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," the communication stated.
The screening will be conducted during training sessions at Air India's Gurugram academy, after flights at briefing centres and airline offices, and at other designated locations across pilot bases.
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny following the AI2379 incident. The pilot-in-command of the Phuket-Delhi flight reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude, prompting a high-level safety investigation.
MoCA Asks AAIB To Expedite Probe: Sources
Government sources said the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has directed the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to expedite its probe and submit a preliminary report before the usual one-month timeline.
Sources also said the ministry has asked Air India to improve its workplace culture as part of broader corrective measures.
MoCA Asks DGCA To Review Existing Dope Testing Norms
At the regulatory level, MoCA has asked the DGCA to revisit the existing Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) governing dope testing of aviation personnel. The review is aimed at making the framework significantly more stringent.
According to sources, the revised rules could provide for harsher penalties for positive dope tests, including suspension of licences and the possibility of criminal proceedings. Airlines may also be held more accountable for ensuring compliance with testing protocols and monitoring crew fitness.
Officials are also considering a substantial increase in random testing across the aviation sector. "The random testing module can get increased," a source said, indicating that stronger surveillance and enforcement measures are under active consideration.
India has a strict zero-tolerance regime for alcohol consumption by flight crew through mandatory breath-analyser tests. Aviation authorities are now examining whether a similarly stringent framework should be extended to narcotics and other prohibited substances.
Sources said the proposed rules could potentially apply to the AI2379 pilot, subject to the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
