Air India Orders Banned Substance Tests for All Pilots After Flight Incident

Air India has announced mandatory banned-substance testing for all its pilots, expanding significantly beyond India’s existing random-testing requirements.

The decision follows an incident involving an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on 4 August. Shortly after departure, the Airbus reportedly lost around 91 metres (300 feet) in altitude, injuring 17 passengers and crew members.

A preliminary account indicated that the senior pilot was required to undergo another substance test. Media reports have claimed that an earlier test detected marijuana, although the investigation has not yet reached a final conclusion.

Both pilots have been removed from flying duties while Indian aviation authorities investigate the incident with assistance from Airbus and France’s air-safety agency.

Testing to begin immediately

Under current regulations, airlines must randomly test at least 10% of their pilots. Air India, however, says it will now test every pilot for banned substances and medications prohibited under aviation rules.

Pilots employed by the airline’s budget subsidiary, Air India Express, will also be included in the expanded programme.

The testing will take place alongside training sessions at Air India’s aviation academy and at locations such as briefing centres and company offices.

In an internal memo reported by the BBC, the airline said the initiative goes beyond regulatory requirements and is intended to reinforce safety, professionalism and public confidence.

Air India remains under scrutiny

The announcement comes while Air India continues to face intense scrutiny over aviation safety. In June 2025, an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after take-off, killing 241 people aboard the aircraft and 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived.

The airline has also recently undergone a leadership change, with former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam taking charge of Air India.

The investigation into the Phuket–Delhi incident remains ongoing. Until authorities publish their final findings, reports concerning the pilots’ test results should be treated as preliminary rather than conclusive.

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Reference: BBC News – Air India to test all pilots for banned substances