Air India mandates drug tests for all pilots after mid-air plunge

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NEW DELHI: Air India has mandated drug screening for all company pilots starting Thursday following a serious mid-air incident where a captain reportedly tested positive for marijuana. 

The decision expands beyond existing regulations, which only required airlines to randomly screen at least 10 percent of flight crews annually.

The move follows an August 4 flight from Thailand's Phuket to New Delhi in which an Airbus A320 abruptly lost roughly 300 feet of altitude shortly after departure, injuring at least 24 passengers. 

While local media reported the main pilot tested positive in a second confirmatory test, Air India stated that official results have not been shared with them.

Indian safety investigators are examining evidence linked to the flight, supported by Airbus and France's civil aviation safety agency, the BEA. In an internal memo, Air India confirmed mandatory testing begins immediately to screen all Group pilots for unauthorized substances or medications.

The policy comes as the airline seeks to overhaul operations following major setbacks, including the fatal crash of Flight 171 in June 2025. Last week, Air India appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive.