In brief
Air India has announced a nationwide pilot testing programme for banned substances, triggered by a Phuket flight that lost altitude shortly after departure. The senior pilot was found positive for marijuana, prompting the airline to extend testing to all pilots, including those at Air India Express. The new policy exceeds regulatory requirements, which mandate only 10% random testing. The company stresses its commitment to safety amid recent scrutiny following a 2025 crash. Pilot duty has been suspended pending investigation.
Air India has decided to test all of its pilots for banned substances, starting immediately.
The decision comes after an incident last week in which a Phuket‑to‑Delhi flight lost altitude abruptly. Authorities found the senior pilot had to retake a substance test and reported a positive result for marijuana.
All pilots at the airline’s low‑cost arm, Air India Express, will also undergo testing beginning Thursday.
Indian regulations already require at least 10% of pilots to be tested at random, but the airline is extending tests beyond that threshold.
In the Phuket incident, 17 passengers and crew were injured when the Airbus lost about 91 metres (300 feet) shortly after departure on 4 August.
Indian authorities, Airbus and France’s aviation safety agency are jointly investigating the loss.
Both pilots have been removed from duty until the investigation completes.
A memo copied by the BBC stated that Air India wants to go “further” in its testing. "This initiative, which goes beyond regulatory requirements, reflects our determination to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, and to provide reassurance to our passengers, stakeholders and the community at large," it said.
The airline has faced scrutiny after a June 2025 flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after take‑off, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, with only one passenger surviving.
Substance and medication tests are being carried out alongside training sessions at the Air India academy and other briefing centres and offices.
Last week, former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam was installed as Air India’s new CEO.
