Air India will introduce mandatory substance testing for all its pilots from Thursday, going beyond existing regulatory requirements following a serious mid-air incident involving one of its aircraft.
The airline said the tests will screen for substances and medications prohibited under aviation regulations. They will be conducted alongside training sessions at Air India’s Gurugram academy, after flights at briefing centres and offices, or at locations designated by pilots’ home bases.
Pilots at Air India Express will also be subject to the expanded testing programme.
Under existing rules, airlines are required to randomly test at least 10% of their flight crew for psychoactive substances each year.
“We nevertheless now feel that it is important to go further,” Air India said in an internal memo, adding that the move was aimed at maintaining safety standards and reassuring passengers and other stakeholders.
The decision follows an August 4 incident involving an Air India Airbus A320neo flying from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft suddenly lost about 300 feet (91 metres) in altitude while cruising.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the flight’s captain tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test.
Authorities are investigating the incident.
Air India had not immediately responded to a request for comment.
