2 hrs ago
DGCA Orders One-Time Drug Tests for All Airline Pilots
India’s aviation regulator wants every airline pilot to take a drug test once.
Airlines must finish these tests by July 2027.
Testing has already reportedly started.
The decision followed an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude.
The plane also had problems with all three of its hydraulic systems.
After the flight, the captain tested positive or non-negative for a psychoactive substance.
Air India fired the captain.
Investigators said the drug finding was serious but have not said it caused the flight problem.
The DGCA has ordered one-time drug screening for pilots across all airlines, with completion required by July 2027.
Testing has reportedly begun, while the regulator prepares a formal announcement and revised drug-testing rules.
The move follows an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident involving the loss of all three hydraulic systems and an altitude drop of about 300 feet.
The flight’s captain later tested positive or non-negative for a psychoactive substance and was dismissed by Air India.
The AAIB called the drug-use finding a serious concern, although investigators have not established that it caused the aircraft incident.
- Who
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Indian airlines, Air India, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, and Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.
- What
- The DGCA ordered one-time drug screening for all airline pilots and is preparing stricter rules for testing psychoactive substances.
- Where
- The policy applies across India’s airlines; the related flight traveled from Phuket to Delhi and landed in India.
- When
- The testing must be completed by July 2027; the Phuket flight incident occurred on August 4, and the AAIB preliminary report was released on September 4.
- Why
- The action follows concerns about pilot drug use after the Air India incident and the AAIB’s call for urgent regulatory action.
Key facts
- Regulator
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Testing deadline
- July 2027
- Current testing system
- Random testing currently covers 10% of pilots and air traffic controllers annually.
- Related flight
- Air India Phuket-Delhi flight operated by an Airbus A320
- Flight incident
- Near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems and an altitude drop of about 300 feet
- Pilot action
- Air India terminated the captain’s employment after the positive or non-negative drug test
- Proposed rule changes
- The revised Civil Aviation Requirements are expected to strengthen and broaden testing requirements.
Quotes
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
India’s aircraft accident investigation authority that issued the interim report.
“The Pilot-in-Command of the Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance. In line with Air India's zero-tolerance approach to violations of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, the pilot's employment has been terminated with immediate effect.”
livemint.com
“The confirmation of use of psycho-active substance is a serious concern and AAIB recommends appropriate actions by DGCA on priority”
livemint.com
Sources
Related news
DGCA Orders One-Time Drug Tests for All Pilots by 2027
India Weighs Annual Drug Testing for All Pilots After Incident
DGCA Seeks Annual Drug Tests for More Than 25% Crew
Air India mandates drug screening for all pilots after Phuket flight
Air India orders mandatory drug tests for all pilots
India Considers Year-Round Drug Tests for Commercial Pilots
Gebremariam Sets Safety-Focused Reset for Air India
Air India Sacks Pilot After Non-Negative Drug Test
Air India Terminates Phuket-Delhi Pilot After Psychoactive Test
