Two more Air India pilots returned non-negative results for psychoactive substances during preliminary drug screenings. The testing drive began after a high-risk operational incident occurred on a Phuket-to-Delhi flight earlier this month. Notably, the Air India pilots fail drug test Phuket flight fiasco has put the airline industry under renewed scrutiny. In response, Air India and Air India Express recently launched a mandatory 100 percent screening program. This program covers nearly 5,000 pilots across the group.
The two pilots were immediately de-rostered as a precaution. Their samples are undergoing secondary confirmatory testing at designated laboratories under aviation rules. This is a direct aftermath of the Air India pilots fail drug test Phuket flight fiasco.
Mass Testing Drive Triggered by AI2379 Operational Incident
The mass testing drive follows an August 4 incident involving Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo flying from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft experienced a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude during cruise flight. As a result, passengers and cabin crew members were injured—a situation described by news reports as the Air India pilots fail drug test Phuket flight fiasco.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the captain tested positive for marijuana during post-flight screening and confirmatory tests. These results were related to the Air India pilots fail drug test Phuket flight fiasco.
Flight operations management issued an internal directive mandating immediate drug testing across all bases. This is to ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards.
Regulatory Guidelines and DGCA Action Framework
Under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms, a non-negative preliminary test requires secondary laboratory verification before a formal conviction. If confirmatory testing confirms a positive result, the pilot is removed from active duty and referred for mandatory rehabilitation.
Repeat violations can result in a three-year license suspension or permanent cancellation. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues its probe into the Phuket flight episode to address technical failures alongside flight crew conduct.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
