Air India sacks Phuket-Delhi pilot who tested positive for drugs, calls it a ‘zero-tolerance’ breach
Air India terminated the services of the pilot-in-command of Phuket-Delhi flight who had tested positive for drug use.
The pilot of Air India's Phuket-Delhi flight was dismissed after testing positive for a psychoactive substance. The airline adheres to a zero-tolerance policy towards any safety, fitness, or regulatory violations. Following the positive drug test, the pilot's employment was terminated immediately. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) described the confirmed use of the substance by the pilot as a "serious concern" and urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take priority action.
The preliminary AAIB report stated that both pilots underwent medical checks after the aircraft reached Delhi, though the co-pilot tested negative. The AAIB classified the incident as an accident, noting a sudden altitude drop that caused injuries to several passengers and crew members. In accordance with DGCA regulations, a pilot found positive for a psychoactive substance must undergo rehabilitation or de-addiction before they can return to flying. A subsequent confirmatory blood test also returned a non-negative result.
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