Two more Air India pilots have failed preliminary drug screening, prompting the airline to remove them from flying duties. Confirmatory tests will determine whether medication or psychoactive substances caused the results.
The pilots have been de-rostered as a precautionary measure. They will remain off duty until authorities receive the final test results.
The latest cases come as Air India conducts an expanded drug screening programme for its pilots. The airline launched the exercise after a captain tested positive for marijuana following a serious flight incident.
Air India Screens Around 400 Pilots
Around 400 Air India pilots have undergone screening so far. The testing programme follows an August 4 incident involving flight AI2379.
The Airbus A320neo was travelling from Phuket to Delhi when it suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude. The incident injured 24 passengers and crew members.
The captain initially received a “non-negative” result during mandatory screening after landing. A later confirmatory test reportedly detected marijuana or another psychoactive substance.
Both pilots operating the flight were subsequently removed from flying duties. Authorities continued investigating the incident and the test results.
Airline Expands Drug Testing Programme
Air India’s testing programme goes beyond existing regulatory requirements. Current rules require random screening of at least 10% of flight crew for psychoactive substances each year.
However, Air India decided to screen its entire pilot workforce. The airline said the broader programme aims to strengthen safety standards and reassure passengers and other stakeholders.
The screening also covers prohibited substances and medications under prevailing aviation regulations. Therefore, a preliminary positive result does not automatically confirm drug use.
Confirmatory laboratory testing will determine the cause of the latest results. The pilots can remain off flying duties until those results become available.
Serious Incident Raised Safety Concerns
The Phuket-Delhi flight experienced a sudden altitude loss about 90 minutes after departure. The incident occurred over mainland India near the Odisha coast.
The sudden movement was severe enough to throw some passengers and crew members around the cabin. Several people who were not properly restrained reportedly struck the ceiling or cabin fittings.
The aircraft eventually recovered and continued towards Delhi. It landed safely despite the earlier incident.
Air India initially described the event as severe turbulence and sudden altitude loss. However, subsequent aircraft data provided additional details about the incident.
According to Airbus’ preliminary assessment, the aircraft temporarily lost hydraulic pressure across all three hydraulic systems. Flight data showed that the crew responded to the sudden altitude change and attempted to regain control.
The preliminary analysis also indicated that the first officer made a nose-down control input. However, the aircraft did not immediately respond because of the temporary flight-control issue.
Drug Screening Remains Under Investigation
The drug screening added another layer to the investigation after the incident. The captain’s initial non-negative result later led to a reported positive confirmatory test for marijuana or psychoactive substances.
Meanwhile, two additional pilots have now produced preliminary results requiring further testing. The final laboratory findings will establish whether the results relate to prohibited substances or medication.
Air India’s expanded screening programme therefore remains an important part of its broader safety efforts. The airline is expected to continue testing pilots as it works to address concerns following the Phuket-Delhi incident.
