DGCA Wants Over 25% Crew Tested for Drugs
Move follows positive drug tests involving Air India pilots
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2026-08-19 16:28 GMT
New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) wants airlines to randomly test more than 25 per cent of their flight crew, particularly pilots, every year for psychoactive substances using urine samples.
The move comes after a pilot of Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi tested positive for drugs. The pilot has been de-rostered pending completion of an inquiry.
From August 13, Air India began screening all its group pilots for substances or medications not permitted under prevailing regulations.
Two pilots tested positive for drugs during the screening. Air India submitted the test reports to the DGCA, which is examining the matter.