Air India has launched mandatory substance screening for its entire pilot workforce after the captain of a Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana following a mid-air altitude-loss incident that injured 24 people. The airline's new policy, which covers both Air India and Air India Express, significantly expands testing beyond India's existing regulatory requirements and signals a tougher safety-first approach aimed at restoring passenger confidence.

Incident That Triggered the Crackdown

The decision follows a serious incident involving Air India flight AI2379 on August 4, 2026, when an Airbus A320 travelling from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden altitude loss of around 300 feet during cruise over Odisha.

The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, recovered safely and landed in Delhi, but 24 people sustained injuries during the abrupt descent.

In accordance with Indian aviation rules, both pilots underwent mandatory post-flight screening for psychoactive substances. While the first officer tested negative, the captain's initial test indicated marijuana use, and a subsequent confirmatory test also returned positive.

The captain has since been removed from flying duties, referred for de-addiction and rehabilitation, and must obtain a negative confirmatory test along with medical fitness clearance before becoming eligible to return to service. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues to investigate the incident.

Universal Testing Across the Airline Group

Beginning August 13, Air India expanded screening to cover more than 5,000 pilots across its group.

Unlike the existing regulatory framework, which requires random testing of at least 10% of flight crew, the airline's new programme mandates comprehensive screening for all pilots.

Testing will be integrated into routine operations through:

·       Training sessions at the Gurugram academy.

·       Flight briefing centres.

·       Air India offices.

·       Designated testing locations at pilots' home bases.

The airline has described the initiative as a full-scale screening programme designed to strengthen operational safety and reinforce internal compliance.

Stronger Safety Culture Beyond Regulations

India's civil aviation regulations already prohibit pilots from operating aircraft under the influence of psychoactive substances. Any non-negative screening requires immediate removal from duty, confirmatory testing, and rehabilitation where necessary.

Air India's latest move goes a step further by replacing limited random sampling with universal, time-bound testing across its pilot workforce.

Although investigators have not officially linked the captain's positive marijuana test to the altitude-loss incident, the episode has intensified scrutiny of crew fitness assessments, pre-flight monitoring, and post-incident safety protocols.

Wider Implications for Indian Aviation

The policy is expected to have consequences beyond Air India. As India's aviation sector expands rapidly, airlines face growing pressure to demonstrate stronger safety standards and align with international best practices.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is already reviewing existing regulations, and the incident could encourage other carriers to adopt more rigorous screening programmes.

Safety Trust Takes Centre Stage

Air India's universal drug-testing initiative marks one of the most significant internal safety reforms undertaken by an Indian airline in recent years. While the AAIB's investigation will determine what caused the Phuket-Delhi altitude-loss incident, the airline has chosen to act decisively on crew fitness. By prioritising stricter screening, transparent enforcement, and preventive safeguards, Air India is signalling that restoring passenger trust depends not only on responding to crises but also on strengthening safety culture before the next flight takes off.

(With agency inputs)