Air India to test all pilots for banned substances
It comes after one of its planes suddenly lost altitude last week, with a number of passengers injured.
Air India announced it would immediately begin drug testing all of its pilots for prohibited substances, a measure the airline stated in a memo would "reassure passengers and stakeholders."
This decision follows a recent incident where an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude. A preliminary report indicated that the senior pilot involved had to retake a substance test, reportedly after testing positive for marijuana.
Pilots at Air India Express, the airline's budget subsidiary, will also undergo these tests starting Thursday. Current regulations mandate random testing for a minimum of 10% of pilots.
On August 4, the Airbus A320 flight lost approximately 91 meters (300 feet) in altitude shortly after takeoff, resulting in injuries to seventeen passengers and crew members. Indian authorities, in collaboration with Airbus and France's air safety agency, are investigating the incident. Both pilots of the flight have been grounded pending the investigation's conclusion.
A memo obtained by the BBC revealed Air India's intention to "go further" with its testing protocols. The airline stated, "This initiative, which goes beyond regulatory requirements, reflects our determination to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, and to provide reassurance to our passengers, stakeholders and the community at large."
The airline has faced increased scrutiny following a June 2025 crash of a flight from Ahmedabad to London, which occurred shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived that incident.
The tests, which screen for both prohibited substances and medications not permitted under aviation regulations, are being conducted at Air India's academy, as well as at other sites including briefing centers and offices, in conjunction with training sessions.
Last week, Tewolde Gebremariam, the former head of Ethiopian Airlines, assumed the role of Air India's new chief executive.