India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed all airlines to conduct a one‑time drug test for pilots by July 2027, tightening oversight following recent cases of crew members found under the influence of illegal substances.
The move comes after an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket suffered hydraulic failures and altitude loss on August 4. Though the aircraft landed safely, the captain later tested positive for drugs, prompting the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to flag the discovery as a “serious concern” in its interim report.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said draft rules on amended drug testing will be finalised by September 2024, establishing stricter screening requirements and broadening testing across the industry. Airlines are expected to complete the one‑time exercise within the stipulated deadline.
Globally, regulators are stepping up scrutiny of drug use among flight crew. Malaysia Airlines introduced mandatory drug testing in August after a cockpit crew member was arrested for alleged narcotics smuggling.
India’s aviation sector, expanding rapidly in recent years, is under increasing pressure to strengthen safety standards. The DGCA’s revised framework is expected to mark a significant tightening of pilot screening, ensuring that safety‑critical decisions are never compromised.
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