Air India announces mandatory substance screening for all pilots starting Thursday, expanding testing beyond existing requirements, after a captain involved in a serious mid-air incident reportedly tested positive for marijuana. The move follows internal communications cited by multiple outlets.
News reports say Indian rules already require airlines to randomly test at least 10% of flight crew each year for psychoactive substances. Outlets attribute a key rationale to an internal memo directing a “full screening” of all Group pilots for substances or medications not permitted under regulations. One report says the memo states testing is mandatory and begins “today.”
Details of the underlying incident are described differently only in emphasis. Several outlets link the screening to an Airbus A320 flight that loses altitude shortly after departing Phuket for New Delhi on August 4, injuring passengers. Reports say the pilot had smoked marijuana and tested positive in a second confirmatory test, but Air India says it has not been shared the results. Investigators are said to be examining related evidence; they have not offered public comment, and the inquiry has support from Airbus and French civil aviation authorities.
