AviationNews – Two more Air India pilots have returned non-negative results in preliminary psychoactive substance screenings, following expanded mandatory testing implemented after a severe mid-air emergency on a Phuket-Delhi flight.
The recent findings emerged after Air India mandated comprehensive drug testing for its flight crews, screening approximately 400 pilots so far. This internal safety sweep was triggered by the August 4 incident involving flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to New Delhi. During that journey, the aircraft suddenly lost 300 feet of altitude, injuring over 20 passengers and crew members. While initially attributed to severe atmospheric turbulence, investigations later revealed critical technical anomalies, including a sudden hydraulic pressure drop, flight control warnings, and an autopilot disconnect. The captain of that specific flight subsequently tested positive for marijuana, prompting the airline and national regulators to immediately tighten safety oversights.
A “non-negative” result indicates that the preliminary urinalysis detected a chemical marker associated with a prohibited substance, requiring further laboratory analysis. Operationally, strict testing protocols are vital for flight safety, as psychoactive substances can severely impair a pilot’s cognitive abilities, reaction times, and spatial awareness during high-stakes emergencies like sudden hydraulic failures. In accordance with aviation regulations, the two newly flagged pilots have been immediately grounded and taken off roster duties pending the results of advanced confirmatory tests.
Emphasizing the airline’s commitment to regulatory compliance, an Air India spokesperson stated, “Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required”.
Moving forward, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are expected to intensify their scrutiny of the airline’s operational culture and maintenance practices. If the confirmatory tests return positive, the affected pilots will face severe disciplinary actions, which can range from mandatory rehabilitation for first-time offenders to outright license cancellation. This compounding crisis will likely prompt a nationwide regulatory review, leading to more frequent and rigorous substance screenings across all commercial Indian carriers to restore passenger confidence.
The unfolding investigation into the Phuket-Delhi flight has exposed significant safety concerns, intertwining severe technical malfunctions with alarming crew compliance issues. As Air India proactively expands its internal testing, the broader aviation industry remains on high alert, prioritizing rigorous oversight. The final laboratory results will not only determine the professional fate of the grounded pilots but could also reshape regulatory enforcement throughout the Indian aviation sector.
