Air India gets tough: Pilots must undergo drug tests

Air India has implemented mandatory drug testing for its pilots, exceeding the random testing rules set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This stricter safety protocol follows the recent Phuket-Delhi flight incident, where AI 2379 experienced multiple hydraulic failures, autopilot disconnection, and a sudden drop in altitude.

The flight carried 145 passengers and encountered warning signals related to all three hydraulic systems, doors, and the elevator. The pilot-in-command claimed he had been prescribed sleeping pills due to personal issues, which led to his positive drug test. His conduct on board is currently under investigation.

The incident has prompted the Indian government to ask Air India to enhance operational oversight, take responsibility for safety, and implement stricter penalties for pilots testing positive for recreational or prohibited drugs. The DGCA is also under pressure to review its framework for psychoactive substance testing among aviation personnel and increase the percentage of staff subjected to mandatory testing.

The aviation ministry has directed the regulator to take these steps. Additionally, the government seeks to provide more opportunities for personnel with positive test results linked to prescribed medication. An Airbus team is currently in India to investigate the technical issues reported on AI 2379, working alongside French aviation regulator officials.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is examining whether the warnings were genuine or spurious and determining the cause of the multiple failures.