Air India Orders Mandatory Drug Tests After Pilot Tests Positive for Cannabis

Air India has instituted a mandatory drug testing policy for all of its pilots following a disturbing incident involving a flight from Phuket to Delhi. The new protocol was enacted after routine medical checks revealed that the chief pilot of the Phuket-to-Delhi flight had tested positive for the consumption of cannabis, commonly known as marihuana, in a urine examination.

The implementation of this comprehensive testing requirement marks a significant step for the airline, which is now actively screening its flight deck crew. According to the latest operational updates provided by the airline, more than 300 pilots have already successfully undergone the newly mandated drug testing process.

This sweeping internal safety measure was directly triggered by a severe in-flight incident involving an Airbus A-320neo aircraft operating on the route. During the flight, the aircraft unexpectedly plummeted by 300 feet, plunging downward for a terrifying duration of four seconds, which ultimately resulted in multiple passengers sustaining injuries.

As the airline processes the results of the ongoing medical screenings, administrative procedures surrounding the tests are taking a notable amount of time. Officials handling the logistics have noted that it typically requires anywhere between 24 to 48 hours to fully complete and process the results for each individual pilot's examination.

The aviation community continues to monitor the fallout from these events as the airline, operating under the broader corporate umbrella of Tata, tightens its operational oversight and health compliance standards for flight crew members across its domestic and international networks.