Two more Air India pilots have returned non-negative results for psychoactive substances as the airline group steps up mandatory drug screening following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident earlier this month, according to people familiar with the matter.
The latest results emerged from a screening programme covering around 350 pilots so far. However, a non-negative screening result does not automatically mean a confirmed positive test, as additional testing and assessment may be required under applicable aviation regulations.
The development comes after Air India and Air India Express began a mandatory screening programme for all their pilots. The group has around 5,000 pilots in total.
Air India begins 100% pilot screening
Air India launched the expanded screening programme on August 13. The initiative requires pilots across both Air India and Air India Express to undergo testing for substances and medications prohibited under prevailing aviation regulations.
The airline’s head of flight operations, Manish Uppal, informed pilots that the testing would be mandatory and would cover the entire group.
The screenings are being conducted alongside training at the group’s academy in Gurugram, as well as at Flight Briefing Centres, Air India offices and other locations designated by individual bases.
The intensified testing follows the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight incident, which placed renewed focus on pilot fitness and aviation safety procedures.
What happened on the Phuket-Delhi flight?
Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi, reportedly lost around 300 feet in altitude while cruising.
The incident is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The pilot-in-command subsequently tested positive for marijuana in both an initial screening and a confirmatory test. The pilot has reportedly said that sleep-related problems and prescribed medication were involved.
The incident was also preceded by technical issues, according to a preliminary defect report prepared by the pilots. These reportedly included an autopilot disconnection and multiple aircraft warnings.
The pilot has since been removed from flying duties pending further investigation and action.
Latest results under scrutiny
The two latest non-negative results are part of the wider screening exercise that began after the Phuket incident. The results will now have to undergo the appropriate confirmation and assessment process before any conclusion is drawn.
The latest development adds to scrutiny over safety protocols within the Air India group as the airline conducts comprehensive testing of its cockpit crew.
3 Catchy Headlines
- Two More Air India Pilots Test Non-Negative for Drugs After Phuket Flight Incident
- Air India Drug Screening: 2 More Pilots Return Non-Negative Results, 350 Tested
- After Phuket Flight Scare, Two More Air India Pilots Flagged in Drug Screening
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Air India’s 100% pilot screening drive has covered around 350 pilots so far, with further testing required to confirm the latest non-negative results.
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Air India pilots drug test
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Air India Pilots Drug Test: 2 More Return Non-Negative Results
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Air India, Air India pilots, pilot drug test, Air India drug screening, Phuket Delhi flight, Air India flight incident, aviation safety, Air India Express, AAIB investigation, psychoactive substances
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🚨 Air India pilot screening intensifies: Two more pilots have returned non-negative results for psychoactive substances as the airline group conducts mandatory testing of its cockpit crew.
Around 350 pilots have been screened so far following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident.
A non-negative result does not by itself confirm a violation and requires further testing.
#AirIndia #Aviation #AirSafety #IndiaNews
