{
  "id": 1442615,
  "title": "Two Air India pilots fail prelim dope test; sample sent for confirmation test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/two-air-india-pilots-fail-prelim-dope-test-sample-sent-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T07:18:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-air-india-pilots-fail-prelim-dope-test-sample-sent-for-confirmation-test/articleshow/133289912.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two Air India pilots have failed the preliminary drug testing as part of a one-time screening conducted for all Air India cockpit crew members. The samples have now been sent for confirmatory tests, and the two individuals have been removed from flying duties until the final results are in. The Directing General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules mandate that pilots who fail the screening test must be immediately taken off safety-sensitive duties until a confirmatory report is received. If the confirmatory test also comes back positive, the pilot will be referred for de-addiction and rehabilitation. The aviation ministry has directed the DGCA to amend the dope testing requirements, increasing the percentage of personnel to be tested and introducing stricter consequences for repeat offenders.",
  "summary": "Air India's recent pilot screening revealed two non-negative dope test results, leading to these pilots being grounded while awaiting confirmatory tests. In response, the aviation ministry has instructed the DGCA to revise current dope testing protocols. The intended policy overhaul aims to impose stricter penalties for pilots found using illegal drugs, while also distinguishing between…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test live win probability, scorecard, chances of victory in Galle",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/sri-lanka-vs-india-1st-test-live-win-probability-scorecard-chances-of",
        "published": "2026-08-17T05:51:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}