New Delhi: Air India has ordered mandatory testing of all Group pilots for substances and medications prohibited under prevailing regulations. The internal memo comes after the confirmatory drug test of the captain flying the 4 August Phuket-Delhi flight that suffered a sudden 300-foot altitude loss, according to sources, returned positive. The incident had left at least 20 passengers and four cabin crew members.
The airline announced the decision in a communication—seen by ThePrint—to its pilots Thursday. “We nevertheless now feel that it is important to go further. Accordingly, we have decided to undertake a full screening of all Group pilots for any substances or medications that are not permitted under prevailing regulations. This testing is mandatory and will start today, 13 August 2026,” reads the letter.
The testing will be carried out at multiple locations, and during existing pilot training and post-flight processes. “It will be conducted concurrently with training at the Gurugram Academy, post flight at our Flight Briefing Centres/Air India Offices, or at locations provided by your respective bases,” the letter adds. Pilots seeking clarification have been asked to contact their chief pilot or base manager.
The airline said the decision followed concerns raised by pilots, and was intended to reinforce safety and professionalism across the airline.
Under existing DGCA rules, airlines are required to conduct psychoactive-substance testing on a random basis, covering at least 10 percent of flight crew annually. Air India’s new policy goes beyond this requirement by making screening mandatory for all Group pilots, instead of just a randomly selected proportion. The airline said the tests will cover substances or medications not permitted under prevailing regulations and will be conducted during training, post-flight at its briefing centres or offices, or at locations designated by pilots’ bases.
The investigation into the 4 August incident remains underway. Sources had confirmed that the captain had tested positive for psychoactive substances. The flight was carrying 137 passengers.
A post-flight maintenance report accessed by ThePrint had recorded 12 warning and failure messages around the time of the incident. These included low-pressure warnings across all three hydraulic systems, an autopilot disengagement, and faults involving both the left and right flight-control systems.
Air India said it already complies with the regulatory requirements prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and that these requirements are similar to those followed in other major aviation jurisdictions.
“As you know, Air India already fully complies with all regulatory requirements prescribed by India’s DGCA, which are similar to those practiced in other major aviation jurisdictions including Europe and the United States,” the airline said in Thursday’s letter, adding that the additional screening was being introduced beyond existing compliance requirements.
“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,” reads the communication.
The airline also sought to underline the importance of maintaining passenger confidence in its pilots and other employees. “For decades, Air India has been the flag bearer of Indian aviation. Over this time the professionalism, skill and commitment to safety of our pilots, together with other staff, has earned the trust of millions of passengers and the wider community.”
(Edited by Mannat Chugh)
Also Read: The Tatas have had rotten luck with Air India