Air India begins drug testing of all pilots after Phuket-Delhi flight incident

Air India has instituted mandatory drug testing for all pilots following a serious incident during a Phuket-Delhi flight. The airline aims to restore the trust it has lost due to the pilot-in-command testing positive for marijuana. Aviation Secretary Samir Sinha has urged the airline to take responsibility and implement any necessary measures to ensure safety.

Air India's Senior Vice President for Flight Operations, Captain Manish Uppal, informed all pilots that the airline has a strong reputation for professionalism, skill, and commitment to safety. This trust, built over decades, is the airline's most valuable asset and must be protected and sustained. Although Air India already complies with all regulatory requirements set by India's DGCA, the airline has decided to go beyond these regulations and implement a full screening process for all group pilots.

This testing will begin today, August 13, 2026, and will take place concurrently with training at the Gurugram Academy, at flight briefing centers, or at locations provided by each pilot's base. This proactive approach reflects Air India's commitment to the highest standards of safety and professionalism, as well as its dedication to reassuring passengers, stakeholders, and the wider community.