Air India Group orders drug tests for all pilots after 300ft flight plunge

Air India has mandated drug testing for all pilots across its operations following a controversial incident where a pilot tested positive for marijuana twice after a flight from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost altitude. The airline stated that this move, which exceeds existing regulatory standards set by India's DGCA, is aimed at enhancing safety and regaining passenger confidence.

The testing will commence immediately and will extend to covering all pilots within the Air India Group, including those at the airline's Gurugram Academy and flight briefing centers. The incident, which occurred on August 4, resulted in at least 20 passengers and four crew members being injured when the aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, plummeted around 300 feet over Odisha.

The pilot in command, Sudeep Vashistha, was found unsteady on his feet upon landing and had to be assisted while providing a urine sample. Vashistha had been prescribed medication for sleep difficulties and claimed he was struggling to sleep during a layover due to personal circumstances. Air India emphasized that this decision reflects their commitment to safety and professionalism, and to restoring passenger trust, which they consider their most valuable asset.