New Delhi: Air India has ordered mandatory drug tests for all its pilots following a controversy involving the captain of a Phuket-Delhi flight who tested positive for marijuana twice after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude last week.
The mandatory screening applies to pilots of both Air India and Air India Express and began on Thursday. According to a formal communication sent to employees, the airline will screen pilots for substances and medications prohibited under existing regulations.
Air India said the move goes beyond current regulatory requirements and is aimed at strengthening aviation safety and restoring passenger confidence. The tests will be conducted alongside training at the airline’s Gurugram Academy, as well as post-flight at flight briefing centres and offices.
The airline said it already complies with drug-testing requirements prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which are broadly comparable with practices followed in major aviation jurisdictions, including Europe and the United States.
Pilot tested positive twice after altitude-loss incident
The action follows the case of Captain Sudeep Vashistha, who was commanding Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude over Odisha.
At least 20 passengers and four crew members were injured in the incident. An internal report indicated that Vashistha was not in the cockpit at the time of the altitude loss, with the co-pilot in command.
After landing in Delhi, sources said Vashistha appeared unsteady and required assistance while submitting his urine sample. His sample reportedly tested positive for marijuana, with a subsequent test also returning positive.
The pilot has said he was experiencing difficulty sleeping and had been prescribed medication by his family doctor. In his statement, he said sleep had been difficult during the layover and that he had attempted to improve his sleep through light physical activity.
He also raised concerns about the scheduling of his duties, saying that although the roster complied with prescribed legal rest limits, it compressed available daytime rest and could affect adequate recovery.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of pilot fitness, drug testing and fatigue management in commercial aviation. Air India said the expanded screening is intended to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism while reassuring passengers and other stakeholders.
