Air India will begin testing all pilots for banned substances immediately, including those at its budget arm Air India Express, following an incident where a senior pilot reportedly tested positive for marijuana after a flight lost altitude. The airline stated the move goes beyond regulatory requirements to uphold safety standards.
The enhanced substance testing policy at Air India signals a heightened focus on safety and regulatory compliance following recent incidents, potentially impacting pilot morale and operational costs while aiming to restore passenger confidence.
Air India announced it will begin testing all of its pilots for banned substances immediately, a move that will also encompass pilots at its budget subsidiary, Air India Express, starting Thursday. This decision comes in the wake of an incident last week where a senior pilot reportedly tested positive for marijuana after a flight from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost altitude.
During the August 4 incident, the Airbus aircraft lost approximately 91 meters (300 feet) in height shortly after departure, resulting in injuries to seventeen passengers and crew. Indian authorities, in collaboration with Airbus and France's air safety agency, are investigating the event. The pilots involved in the incident have been suspended from duty pending the investigation's conclusion.
In a memo, Air India emphasized that this new testing protocol extends beyond current regulatory requirements, which mandate random testing for at least 10% of pilots. The airline stated the initiative reflects a commitment to the highest standards of safety and professionalism, aiming to provide reassurance to passengers and stakeholders.
Air India has faced increased scrutiny following a June 2025 flight from Ahmedabad to London that crashed shortly after takeoff, causing 241 fatalities on board and 19 on the ground. The new substance tests, covering prohibited substances and medications under aviation regulations, will be conducted alongside training sessions at various Air India facilities. Tewolde Gebremariam, former Ethiopian Airlines boss, recently became Air India's new chief executive.