Air India's all pilots to be screened for drug abuse after Phuket-Delhi flight row: What its email to employees said

Air India announced mandatory drug screening for all its pilots following a flight incident on August 4th. The email to employees disclosed that Flight AI2379 suffered a sudden 300-foot altitude drop, injuring 24 people, including passengers and crew. The airline stated that this proactive step would begin on Thursday, complementing ongoing training at Gurugram Academy or other designated locations.

The email emphasized the importance of safety and professionalism, highlighting the airline's commitment to compliant regulatory requirements. The email also mentioned a post-flight maintenance report for Flight AI2379, which revealed several technical warnings, including low-pressure alerts in hydraulic systems, autopilot disconnection, and multiple issues with flight controls and exit doors.

However, the airline did not definitively link these warnings to the altitude drop. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).