Air India on Thursday mentioned all pilots will probably be screened for substance abuse earlier than departures, days after the pilot-in-command (PIC) of a Phuket-Delhi flight that immediately misplaced altitude final week examined optimistic for marijuana.
Twenty-four individuals, together with 4 crew members, suffered accidents after the Phuket-Delhi AI2379 flight dropped 300 toes throughout cruise on August 4. An preliminary assertion from Air India had cited turbulence as the explanation. The PIC later examined optimistic for marijuana in a confirmatory drug check.
In an e mail to all its workers reviewed by HT, the Tata Group-owned airline pressured the necessity to transcend the laws prescribed by the Directorate Common of Civil Aviation (DGCA) “ to uphold the best requirements of security and professionalism, and to supply reassurance to our passengers, stakeholders and the group at massive.”
“We have now determined to undertake a full screening of all Group pilots for any substances or drugs that aren’t permitted below prevailing laws. This testing is necessary and can begin at this time, 13 August 2026,” the airline mentioned.
“It is going to be performed concurrent with coaching on the Gurugram Academy, submit flight at our Flight Briefing Centres / Air India Places of work, or at areas supplied by your respective bases,” it added.
The airline mentioned for many years, it has been the flag bearer of Indian aviation. “Over this time the professionalism, talent and dedication to security of our pilots, along with different employees, has earned the belief of thousands and thousands of passengers and the broader group. This belief is our most essential asset, and it is important that we do all potential to guard and maintain it. A lot of you have got not too long ago reached out to share the identical sentiment,” it mentioned.
“As you already know, Air India already absolutely complies with all regulatory necessities prescribed by India’s DGCA, that are just like these practiced in different main aviation jurisdictions together with Europe and the USA. We however now really feel that you will need to go additional,” it added.
The pilots have been off-rostered pending a probe. The incident was labeled as a critical one and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
As a part of prescribed procedures, each pilots underwent a screening for psychoactive substances after the flight landed within the Capital. The preliminary screening of the PIC had indicated a outcome requiring confirmatory testing, following which the pattern was despatched to a delegated laboratory.
On Wednesday, Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu mentioned two crew members who suffered spinal accidents within the incident remained admitted at Fortis Hospital.
The AAIB is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incidence, whereas the Directorate Common of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is answerable for regulatory motion primarily based on the result of the investigation and the prescribed testing course of.
