Air India will introduce mandatory drug screening for all pilots following a recent mid-air incident. The airline will begin testing on Thursday.
An internal memo seen by AFP confirmed the new requirement. Existing rules require airlines to randomly test at least 10% of flight crew annually.
Airline Orders Full Pilot Screening
The memo said Air India would screen all pilots for prohibited substances and medications. It also confirmed that testing would remain mandatory under the new policy.
The decision follows an August 4 incident involving an Airbus A320. The aircraft lost around 300 feet shortly after departing Thailand’s Phuket for New Delhi.
At least 24 passengers suffered injuries during the sudden altitude loss. Local media reported that the captain tested positive for marijuana in a second test.
However, Air India said authorities have not shared those reported results with the airline. Indian investigators have also declined to comment on the reports.
Investigation Continues After Mid-Air Incident
Investigators are examining evidence connected to the flight. Airbus and France’s civil aviation safety agency, BEA, are supporting the inquiry.
The incident comes as Air India works to strengthen its operations after several setbacks. The airline faced a major crisis following a fatal crash in June 2025.
Flight 171 crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad for London. The accident killed 241 of the 242 people aboard and 19 people on the ground.
Air India appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive last week. The airline continues efforts to improve safety and operational standards.
