Air India has announced mandatory substance-abuse screening for all its pilots before departures, following a recent incident in which the captain of a Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana after the aircraft suddenly lost altitude.
The Tata Group-owned airline said on Thursday that the move is aimed at strengthening safety standards and goes beyond the requirements currently prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Screening to begin from August 13
In an email to employees, Air India said the testing would be mandatory for all Group pilots and would begin on Thursday, August 13, 2026, reported Hindustan Times.
“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,” the airline said.
The screening will be carried out at multiple locations depending on pilots’ schedules and bases.
According to the airline, tests will be conducted alongside training at the Gurugram Academy, after flights at Flight Briefing Centres or Air India offices, or at locations designated by individual bases.
Move comes after Phuket-Delhi flight incident
The decision follows a recent incident involving an Air India flight travelling from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft reportedly experienced a sudden loss of altitude last week, and its pilot-in-command subsequently tested positive for marijuana.
The development has brought renewed attention to substance-use checks among flight crew and the safety procedures followed by airlines.
Air India said it wants to maintain standards that go beyond the minimum regulatory requirements.
Airline stresses safety and professionalism
In its communication to employees, the airline said the additional screening was necessary to reinforce its commitment to safety and reassure passengers and other stakeholders.
The airline said the move was being taken “ to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, and to provide reassurance to our passengers, stakeholders and the community at large.”
The new screening requirement will cover substances and medications that are not permitted under prevailing regulations.
Air India said the testing programme would apply across the Group and would be implemented through its training facilities, offices and base locations.