Air India has announced it will immediately begin testing all of its pilots for banned substances. This decision follows an incident last week on a Phuket-Delhi flight, as reported by infohub.kz.
Last week, an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost altitude. According to a preliminary report, the senior pilot had to retake a substance test after testing positive for marijuana. Pilots at Air India's budget arm, Air India Express, will also undergo testing starting Thursday.
Under existing regulations, at least 10% of pilots must be randomly tested. On August 4, the Airbus lost about 91 meters (300 feet) in height shortly after takeoff, injuring 17 passengers and crew. Indian authorities are investigating the incident in collaboration with Airbus and France's air safety agency.
Both pilots have been removed from flight duties until the investigation is complete. In a memo seen by the BBC, Air India stated it was "important 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," the memo said.
It is worth noting that in June 2025, an Ahmedabad-London flight crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived. This incident has drawn increased scrutiny to Air India's operations.
Testing for banned substances and medications prohibited under aviation regulations is being carried out alongside training sessions at Air India's academy, as well as at briefing centers and offices. Last week, former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam was appointed as Air India's new chief executive.