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Air India has introduced mandatory psychoactive substance testing for pilots following the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight incident, tightening its internal safety protocols after the pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory test.
The airline had previously conducted random testing of pilots and other aviation personnel in accordance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines. The new requirement makes psychoactive substance testing mandatory for pilots from Thursday onwards, sources told Business Standard.
The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379, which suffered a sudden loss of around 300 feet in altitude while flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, had earlier returned a “non-negative” result in an initial screening test for marijuana. A subsequent confirmatory test also came out positive.
The incident injured 24 people — 20 passengers and four crew members. The Airbus A320 was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members. The aircraft later landed safely in Delhi.
Both pilots were removed from the flying roster after mandatory post-flight screening. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident, which has been classified as a “serious incident”.
Airbus and France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) are also assisting with the investigation.
Under the DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) governing testing for psychoactive substances, aviation personnel on duty are selected randomly for testing.
A first confirmed positive test does not automatically result in cancellation or suspension of a pilot’s licence. Instead, the pilot is referred for a de-addiction or rehabilitation programme and can return to flying only after completing the programme, passing another urine test and obtaining fresh medical fitness clearance.
The CAR prescribes progressively stricter consequences for repeat violations. A second confirmed violation can result in a three-year licence suspension, while a third violation can lead to cancellation of the licence.
Air India’s internal rules, however, are understood to be stricter than the DGCA’s minimum regulatory requirements. Sources said the airline could take disciplinary action against the Phuket-Delhi flight’s pilot based on the findings of its internal inquiry, with the seriousness of the August 4 incident and the injuries sustained by passengers and crew likely to be considered.
Meanwhile, the AAIB has cautioned against drawing conclusions from incomplete or unverified information while its investigation is underway. It has said records, statements, medical information and other material gathered during the probe are protected and confidential under the applicable investigation framework.
There is heightened scrutiny of Air India’s safety standards following the crash of flight AI171 in June last year, which killed 260 people. The Phuket-Delhi incident has added to concerns over passenger confidence in the airline.
Air India’s outgoing chief executive officer Campbell Wilson was summoned to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday to brief senior officials on the incident. He also met officials from the ministry and the DGCA, who asked him to address the airline’s various departments on the matter.
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