Air India expands drug testing to all pilots after captain tests positive for marijuana

Air India will begin mandatory drug testing for all pilots on Thursday, the airline announced in an internal memo. This expansion of tests goes beyond current regulatory requirements following a serious mid-air incident where a pilot tested positive for marijuana, according to a source familiar with the matter. The airline stated that this initiative aims to uphold safety standards and provide reassurance to passengers and other stakeholders.

Pilots will undergo testing for substances and medications prohibited under aviation regulations, in addition to training sessions at the airline's Gurugram academy. These tests will be conducted at various locations including flights, briefing centres, offices, and locations designated by pilots' home bases. Air India has extended this testing to their budget subsidiary, Air India Express as well.

While existing rules require airlines to conduct random testing of at least 10% of their flight crew for psychoactive substances annually, Air India believes it is important to go further in ensuring the highest level of safety. The airline did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on this development. The incident occurred on August 4 when an Air India Airbus A320neo from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise. The captain was found to be positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test.