Air India Orders Mandatory Dope Tests for All Pilots
Decision comes after Phuket-Delhi flight captain tested positive for marijuana, triggering fresh concerns over pilot fitness and aviation safety
Air India has ordered mandatory drug screening for all its pilots following a controversy involving the captain of a Phuket-Delhi flight who tested positive for marijuana. The screening applies to pilots of both Air India and Air India Express and began on August 13.
In a letter to employees, Air India said the additional screening goes beyond existing regulatory requirements and is aimed at maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. The tests will be conducted during training at the airline's Gurugram Academy, as well as at flight briefing centres and offices after flights.
Air India said the initiative is intended to reassure passengers and protect the trust placed in the airline. Air India Express has also encouraged pilots and employees to voluntarily disclose any use, misuse or dependence on psychoactive substances that could affect their fitness for duty. The airline said such disclosures will be handled confidentially.
Pilot at Centre of Controversy The move follows an incident involving Air India flight AI-2379, which was travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 with 137 passengers and eight crew members. The aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet of altitude over Odisha, leaving at least 20 passengers and four crew members injured.
According to reports, the pilot in command, Sudeep Vashistha, tested positive for marijuana in two drug tests. An internal safety report also stated that he had been experiencing sleep difficulties and had been prescribed medication by his family doctor.
The incident has triggered renewed scrutiny of pilot fitness, drug testing procedures and aviation safety standards in India.
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