Air India, Air India Express to Test All Pilots for Psychoactive Substances

Air India and Air India Express will conduct mandatory psychoactive substance testing for all their pilots, following a recent incident in which the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight reportedly tested positive for marijuana, sources said.

The two Tata Group-owned airlines have more than 5,000 pilots combined. In an internal communication to pilots, the airlines said they would undertake comprehensive screening for substances and medications that are prohibited under prevailing aviation regulations.

The mandatory testing is set to begin on Thursday and will be carried out alongside training programmes at the Gurugram Academy. Screening will also take place after flights at briefing centres, airline offices and designated locations provided by individual bases.

According to sources, the initiative has been launched proactively to reinforce the airlines' safety standards and provide reassurance to passengers, employees and other stakeholders. The move follows an incident involving Air India flight AI2379, which was operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The Airbus A320 aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude amid turbulence, leaving at least 24 people injured.

The flight was carrying 145 people, including 137 passengers and eight crew members. Following the incident, the pilot-in-command underwent substance testing. Sources said the pilot initially tested positive for a psychoactive substance, with a subsequent confirmatory test also returning positive for marijuana.

The development has prompted increased scrutiny of pilot fitness and compliance with aviation safety regulations. Psychoactive substances can potentially affect alertness, judgment, coordination and decision-making, making their detection a critical component of flight safety. The expanded screening programme is expected to cover pilots across both airlines and is aimed at identifying any prohibited substance use or medication that could affect their ability to safely perform flight duties.

Air India and Air India Express are expected to continue the testing as part of their broader efforts to strengthen aviation safety and operational oversight following the recent incident.