Two Pilots Fail Mandatory Air India Drug Test
Screening launched after Phuket-Delhi flight incident covers pilots of Air India and Air India Express
Two Air India pilots have tested non-negative for psychoactive substances in drug screening conducted on around 350 pilots since the airline group launched a 100 per cent testing programme last week, people familiar with the matter said.
The screening programme covers pilots of both Air India and Air India Express and was launched on August 13 following an internal communication from Manish Uppal, head of flight operations at Air India.
In an email to pilots, Uppal said the group had decided to conduct full screening of all pilots for substances or medications not permitted under prevailing regulations. He said the testing was mandatory and would begin on August 13.
The testing is being conducted alongside training at the group's academy in Gurugram, as well as after flights at Flight Briefing Centres, Air India offices and locations designated by the respective bases, according to the communication.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of pilot fitness and aviation safety following an August 4 incident involving Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi.
The aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet in altitude while cruising. The incident is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The expanded drug-screening programme is aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations governing the use of psychoactive substances and medications by flight crew.
The two pilots who tested non-negative will be subject to further testing and due process to establish the substances detected and determine any action required, the people said. A non-negative screening result does not by itself establish a violation until confirmatory testing and the prescribed procedures are completed.
