Air India mandates pilot drug testing after altitude loss incident

Air India has announced it will implement mandatory drug testing for all its pilots, a move that exceeds current regulatory requirements. This policy shift follows an incident on August 4 involving an Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi, which suddenly lost approximately 91 meters (300 feet) of altitude. The incident resulted in injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members.

While official findings have not been released, reports indicate that the captain of the aircraft underwent confirmatory testing after an initial screening for psychoactive substances. Some media reports suggest the captain tested positive for marijuana, though Air India has not officially confirmed this result. Both pilots involved have been removed from flying duties pending the conclusion of an investigation involving Indian authorities, Airbus, and French aviation safety agencies.

The new testing protocols will also extend to Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost subsidiary. The airline stated that the expanded screenings, which include testing for both illegal substances and prohibited medications, are intended to maintain high safety standards and professionalism.