Civil Aviation Ministry Asks DGCA To Review Pilot Dope-Testing Rules After Air India Incident

The Civil Aviation Ministry has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review the existing framework for drug testing of pilots after an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi suffered a sudden 300-foot loss of altitude, leaving at least 24 people injured, sources said.

The move comes after the pilot-in-command allegedly tested positive for marijuana during mandatory post-incident drug testing. The first officer's test was reportedly negative. Both pilots have since been removed from flying duties.

Pilot Tested Positive For Marijuana

The Air India flight AI-2379, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it suddenly lost altitude over Odisha.

At least 20 passengers and four crew members were injured in the incident.

According to sources, the pilot underwent two drug tests after the aircraft landed, both of which reportedly returned positive for marijuana. The pilot has denied any wrongdoing.

The pilot also disclosed that he had been experiencing sleep difficulties due to personal circumstances and had been prescribed medication by his family doctor.

DGCA To Examine International Practices

The ministry's decision follows questions over whether India's existing pilot drug-testing framework requires changes.

The current norms are broadly aligned with international standards, sources said. The DGCA will now study protocols followed in other countries and assess whether additional safeguards or changes are needed.

The review is being undertaken in the wake of concerns raised about the circumstances surrounding the Air India incident.

Investigation Underway

The incident report reportedly indicated that the pilot was not in his seat when the aircraft lost altitude, with the co-pilot in command at the time.

A cabin crew member has also reportedly complained that the pilot had smoked marijuana.

The internal Air India flight safety report further pointed to irregularities involving the aircraft's automatic control system.

The DGCA has classified the incident as a serious occurrence, while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a separate investigation. Airbus and France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) are providing technical assistance.

The findings of these investigations will determine the circumstances surrounding the altitude loss and whether any operational or safety lapses contributed to the incident.