Air India has initiated universal substance testing protocols for its entire pilot workforce, beginning immediately, according to announcements made this week. The decision extends testing requirements to pilots at both Air India and its budget subsidiary Air India Express, with the latter’s testing scheduled to commence later this week. The new testing program represents a significant expansion beyond current regulatory standards, which mandate testing of at least 10% of pilots through random selection processes.
The policy shift follows an incident on 4 August involving a Phuket to Delhi flight that experienced a sudden altitude loss of approximately 91 metres shortly after departure. Preliminary investigation reports indicated that the senior pilot involved in the incident underwent substance retesting, with reports suggesting a positive result for marijuana. Seventeen passengers and crew members sustained injuries during the occurrence. Both pilots on the flight have been removed from operational duties pending completion of the investigation, which is being conducted by Indian authorities in coordination with Airbus and France’s air safety agency.
In internal communications viewed by the BBC, Air India stated that the expanded testing initiative reflects organizational commitment to surpassing regulatory requirements. The airline characterized the measure as essential for maintaining safety standards and professional conduct while providing confidence to passengers and stakeholders. Testing procedures cover both prohibited substances and medications that fall outside aviation regulations and are being administered through Air India’s academy facilities as well as briefing centers and company offices.
This development comes within a broader context of heightened scrutiny facing the airline. Air India has faced significant regulatory and public attention following a June 2025 crash involving a London-bound flight from Ahmedabad that resulted in 260 fatalities, with only one passenger surviving. The airline’s new chief executive, Tewolde Gebremariam, formerly led Ethiopian Airlines and assumed the role earlier this week.
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