Air India Drug Screening: Two Pilots Test Non-Negative For Psychoactive Substances Amid 100% Testing Drive

Two Air India pilots have tested non-negative for psychoactive substances during drug screening of around 350 pilots, people familiar with the matter said, days after the airline group launched mandatory testing of its entire pilot workforce.

The results come amid heightened scrutiny of pilot fitness following an August 4 incident involving an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi, whose commander tested positive for marijuana in both an initial screening and a subsequent confirmatory test.

Two Non-Negative Results In Ongoing Screening

The two latest results were recorded as part of the screening programme being conducted across the Air India group, the people said.

However, a non-negative screening result does not by itself mean a confirmed positive test. Further testing and assessment may be required under applicable aviation rules before any final determination is made.

Air India and Air India Express together have around 5,000 pilots.

Air India Begins 100% Pilot Screening

Air India began its full screening programme on August 13 after Manish Uppal, head of flight operations at Air India, informed pilots that mandatory testing would cover substances and medications prohibited under prevailing regulations.

The programme applies to pilots of both Air India and Air India Express.

The testing is being conducted alongside training at the group's Gurugram academy, as well as after flights at Flight Briefing Centres, Air India offices and other locations designated by individual bases.

Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident Triggered Scrutiny

The expanded screening follows the August 4 incident involving Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi.

The aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude while cruising. The incident is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

The pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana during an initial screening and again in a subsequent confirmatory test conducted earlier this week. The pilot has reportedly said he had sleep-related issues and was taking prescribed medication.

The pilot has since been removed from flying duties pending further investigation and action.

Technical Issues Also Reported On Flight

A preliminary defect report prepared by the pilots said the incident was preceded by several technical issues, including an autopilot disconnection. The aircraft also recorded multiple warnings during the episode.

The latest non-negative results are therefore being assessed against the backdrop of the airline's expanded testing programme and increased focus on pilot fitness and compliance with aviation safety regulations.