Taking a big step regarding aircraft security, Air India has made it mandatory to test all pilots of its group for narcotics and banned drugs. This decision of the airline has come into effect from 13 August 2026. This step has been taken after a serious case was reported recently in an Air India flight coming from Phuket to Delhi.
All pilots will be drug screened
According to the report of Hindustan Times, Tata Group-owned Air India has sent an email to its employees informing them about the new arrangement in this regard. The airline said all pilots in the group will be tested for substances and drugs, which are banned under current aviation regulations.
This test will be mandatory and can be done at the flight briefing centre, Air India offices and other designated places apart from the academy in Gurugram during the training of pilots.
Alcohol testing already mandatory
Under current rules, airlines conduct breathalyzer tests on pilots every day before a flight to detect alcohol consumption. At the same time, investigation of drugs is mainly done in a random manner. Air India has now decided to move ahead with this system and start comprehensive testing of all pilots for banned substances.
What is the matter with Phuket-Delhi flight?
On August 4, Air India flight AI-2379 coming from Phuket to Delhi faced severe turbulence. According to the report, the plane suddenly went down by about 300 feet and the passengers felt severe shocks. 17 passengers were injured in the incident.
During the investigation, information about a problem to the hydraulic system of the aircraft and alleged marijuana consumption by the pilot-in-command also came to light. After this incident, security concerns have increased regarding the fitness of pilots and drug abuse in aircraft operations.
Efforts to strengthen security standards
Air India's new decision is being considered an important step towards strengthening the zero-tolerance policy on the use of banned substances among pilots. Its objective is to ensure alertness, fitness of pilots and safety of passengers during flight operations.
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