Air India has announced an immediate and comprehensive drug testing program for all its pilots, a significant escalation from previous protocols. This decision follows a concerning incident last week where a flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude. A preliminary inquiry into this event revealed that the senior pilot involved had to undergo a repeat substance test, reportedly due to a positive result for marijuana. This expanded testing regime will also extend to pilots at Air India Express, the airline’s budget subsidiary, beginning this Thursday. Previously, only a minimum of 10% of pilots were subjected to random drug screenings.
The incident that prompted this intensified scrutiny occurred on August 4th, when an Airbus aircraft lost approximately 91 meters (300 feet) in height shortly after departing from Phuket. This alarming descent resulted in injuries to seventeen passengers and crew members. Both pilots of the affected flight have been suspended from their duties pending the outcome of a thorough investigation, which is being conducted by Indian authorities in collaboration with Airbus and France’s air safety agency.
In an internal memo obtained by the BBC, Air India explicitly stated its intention to “go further” in its testing procedures. The airline emphasized that this proactive measure, which surpasses existing regulatory mandates, underscores its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. This move is also intended to reassure passengers, stakeholders, and the wider community about the airline’s dedication to secure operations. This renewed focus on safety comes as Air India has previously faced intense scrutiny, notably after a tragic June 2025 flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after take-off, claiming the lives of 241 individuals onboard and 19 on the ground, with only one passenger surviving.
The expanded testing program will encompass not only illicit substances but also medications prohibited under aviation regulations. These tests will be administered at various locations, including Air India’s academy, briefing centers, and other offices, often coinciding with training sessions. This significant policy shift coincides with the recent appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, as Air India’s new chief executive last week, signaling a potential new era of operational rigor for the airline. The full details of this comprehensive testing initiative are outlined in a BBC report.
