Air India to test all pilots for banned substances
Air India announced today that every pilot on its fleet will now undergo a mandatory test for banned substances and prohibited medications—an initiative that comes after a flight from Phuket to Delhi lost altitude and the senior pilot later tested positive for marijuana.
The incident involving an Airbus A320 caused more than 130 passengers and crew members to be injured when the aircraft lost about 91 metres (300 feet) shortly after departure on 4 August. Authorities have since suspended both pilots and launched an investigation with Airbus and France’s aviation safety agency.
Starting immediately, Air India’s testing programme will cover all pilots, including those flying its budget arm Air India Express. The company says the move goes beyond the regulatory norm that only requires random testing of at least 10% of pilots.
In a memo seen by the BBC, the airline stated: “This initiative, which goes beyond regulatory requirements, reflects our determination to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, and to provide reassurance to our passengers, stakeholders and the community at large.”
The safety programme will be carried out alongside training sessions at Air India’s academy, briefing centres and regional offices. It arrives amid ongoing review of the company’s safety culture following the tragic June 2025 Ahmedabad‑London crash that killed 241 people on board.
Air India’s new chief executive, former Ethiopian Airlines boss Tewolde Gebremariam, has taken the helm as the airline seeks to navigate financial and safety turbulence while restoring confidence among its global customer base.
