Govt Orders DGCA Review of Pilot Drug Testing Rules After Air India Incident

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review India's drug-testing framework for pilots following reports that the pilot-in-command of an Air India flight involved in a mid-air altitude loss incident tested positive for marijuana during confirmatory testing.

The review comes after Air India flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop that left 24 passengers and crew members injured. While the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues to investigate the incident, the reported positive drug test has prompted the government to examine whether existing aviation safety regulations require strengthening.

DGCA Asked to Review Drug Testing Framework

According to sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the DGCA has been directed to study how psychoactive substance testing is conducted by aviation regulators across the world and assess whether India's existing protocols need revision.

Officials said the government wants to determine whether the current regulatory framework provides adequate safeguards to ensure flight safety while remaining aligned with international aviation standards.

The review is expected to examine global best practices before any policy changes are considered.

Current DGCA Rules on Psychoactive Substance Testing

Under existing DGCA regulations, aviation personnel who test positive for psychoactive substances face a graded disciplinary process.

The current framework provides for:

• Referral to a rehabilitation programme after the first positive test.
• Suspension of the flying licence for three years following a second positive test.
• Permanent cancellation of the licence after a third violation.

The ministry is now evaluating whether these provisions remain sufficient in light of recent developments.

Air India Pilot Removed From Flying Duties

Following the August 4 incident, both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening as part of standard post-incident procedures.

According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the pilot-in-command's initial screening required confirmatory laboratory analysis. After the confirmatory test reportedly returned positive for marijuana, the DGCA removed both pilots from active flying duties pending completion of the investigation.

Authorities have not linked the reported drug test result to the cause of the incident, and officials have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.

AAIB Investigation Continues

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is conducting a detailed probe into the Air India incident with technical assistance from Airbus and France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA).

Investigators are examining multiple aspects of the flight, including:

• Aircraft systems and technical performance
• Flight data and cockpit recordings
• Operational and maintenance records
• Medical evidence
• Human factors
• Crew interviews

The AAIB has cautioned against drawing conclusions based on isolated findings and reiterated that the investigation is independent, evidence-based and conducted in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols.

Government May Strengthen Aviation Safety Rules

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has previously stated that the government is treating the matter seriously and will not hesitate to strengthen regulations if existing rules are found inadequate.

The DGCA's review is expected to help determine whether India's pilot drug-testing framework requires amendments to further enhance aviation safety while remaining consistent with international standards.

Any policy changes are likely to be considered after the regulator completes its assessment of global practices and submits its recommendations.