Initial drug tests of 2 more Air India pilots ‘non-negative’, confirmatory test results awaited
Two additional Air India pilots have tested positive for drugs in initial screenings, with their confirmatory test results pending, according to sources. Following a non-negative drug test result, pilots are required to undergo confirmatory testing as preliminary screenings can be inaccurate due to various factors. The Air India group is conducting a comprehensive one-time drug test on all of its approximately 5,000 pilots, in addition to the mandatory random testing outlined by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The airline initiated the mandatory testing following a drug-positive result from the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi Air India flight that experienced a sudden altitude drop on August 4, causing injuries to passengers and crew members. The airline is emphasizing the importance of ensuring the highest safety standards and transparency to the flying public and industry stakeholders.
The confirmed positive drug tests, along with the incident, have raised concerns about the pilots' condition during the incident, including whether they were under the influence of medication or drugs.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
