Air India Launches Comprehensive Pilot Testing for Banned Substances
Air India has announced that all of its pilots will be scrutinised for prohibited substances and prescription medication, starting immediately.
The initiative follows a Phuket‑to‑Delhi flight that lost roughly 91 metres (300 feet) shortly after take‑off when the senior pilot retook a substance test that returned positive for marijuana.
Both pilots of the flight have been suspended until the investigation – undertaken jointly by Indian authorities, Airbus and French air‑safety regulators – concludes.
The airline’s policy extends to its Air India Express budget arm, while existing rules that required a random 10% testing quota are now being superseded by this all‑encompassing programme.
Seventeen passengers and crew were injured during the incident, underscoring the critical need for stringent safety protocols.
A CEO‑level memo stated the initiative “goes beyond regulatory requirements” to reaffirm the airline’s commitment to safety and professionalism for travellers, stakeholders and the community.
Air India’s reputation has been under pressure since a June 2025 Ahmedabad‑to‑London flight crashed shortly after take‑off, killing 241 on board and 19 on the ground – and the company recently appointed Ethiopian Airlines' former chief executive, Tewolde Gebremariam, to lead from the top.
