The DGCA has ordered drug tests for pilots across all airlines, with the exercise to be completed by July 2027. The move follows an Air India pilot testing positive for a psychoactive substance after the Phuket-Delhi flight incident
The civil aviation ministry is considering random year-round psychoactive substance testing for all commercial pilots. Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said DGCA is consulting stakeholders to strengthen existing drug-testing rules, following renewed scrutiny after an Air India pilot tested positive for marijuana
Air India has de-rostered two pilots after they reportedly failed preliminary drug tests under the airline’s expanded screening programme. Final results are awaited. The testing drive was introduced after an in-flight incident involving a Phuket-Delhi service and concerns over pilot safety
