DGCA Orders One-Time Drug Testing Of All Pilots By July 2027 After Safety Concerns

India's aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has mandated a one-time drug screening for all pilots by July 2027 in an effort to bolster safety standards following recent incidents involving crew members and substance use. The directive comes after an Air India-operated Airbus A320 flight from Phuket experienced a rare failure involving all three hydraulic systems, causing the autopilot to disconnect and the aircraft to descend by around 300 feet.

The aircraft eventually landed in India on August 4th, with the captain testing positive for illegal drugs. Although the connection between the pilot's condition and the incident is not confirmed, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) deemed the discovery a "serious concern" and called for immediate action from the regulator.

Air India had previously announced plans for one-time drug testing of all its pilots in the wake of the incident. The DGCA is currently consulting airlines to strengthen existing regulations pertaining to screening for psychoactive substances. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated that draft amendments to the "amended drug tests rules for pilots" would be finalized by the end of the month.

While specifics of the proposed changes remain undisclosed, the revised framework is anticipated to make pilot drug testing more thorough and introduce stricter compliance requirements across the industry.

The move follows similar steps taken internationally, with Malaysia Airlines implementing mandatory drug testing in August following a cockpit crew member's arrest in connection with an alleged narcotics smuggling case. The DGCA's proposed measures aim to enhance aviation safety standards and ensure that pilots operating commercial flights meet stricter health and fitness requirements before taking control of aircraft.