Government Considers Annual Dope Tests for All Pilots After Air India Flight Incident

The government is considering a proposal to require all airline pilots to undergo a dope test at least once a year, replacing the current requirement under which 10 per cent of pilots are tested. The move comes amid increased scrutiny following the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident on August 4.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is consulting stakeholders and examining the operational feasibility of testing 100 per cent of airline pilots annually. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government wants every pilot to undergo testing at random intervals while balancing safety requirements and operational challenges.

The proposal gained momentum after the pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379, which encountered severe turbulence during its Phuket-Delhi journey, reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test. Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive-substance screening after the incident and were subsequently removed from flying duties pending the investigation.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has cautioned against drawing conclusions based on any single piece of evidence, saying its investigation will examine technical, operational, medical and human factors together.

On August 4, the Airbus A320 operating flight AI2379 experienced a sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet while cruising from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, along with eight crew members, and landed safely in Delhi. Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured.

The incident has renewed focus on pilot fitness and aviation safety standards. Separately, Air India has moved to conduct mandatory screening of all its pilots for substances and medications prohibited under existing regulations.