Now Reading: Air India, AI Express start mandatory drug tests for all pilots
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Air India, AI Express start mandatory drug tests for all pilots
From Thursday, Air India and Air India Express are conducting mandatory psychoactive substance screening for all their over 5,000 pilots. The move follows the pilot-in-command of the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight testing…
The Story in Brief
From Thursday, Air India and Air India Express are conducting mandatory psychoactive substance screening for all their over 5,000 pilots. The move follows the pilot-in-command of the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight testing positive for marijuana. The aircraft had suddenly lost 300 feet in altitude, injuring 24 people. The screening covers training centres, flight briefing points and airline offices.
Sources say the DGCA is reviewing its rules and may impose stricter consequences including licence suspension and criminal action. The ministry wants 'exemplary action' and greater airline responsibility for compliance. Currently, rules require at least 10% of crew to be tested annually. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is also considering increasing random drug tests for aviation personnel.
The Indian Opinion
The blanket testing of 5,000 pilots is a strong signal, but negative narratives painting all pilots as unsafe are exaggerated. The system caught one offender through post-incident screening. The real test is whether random testing, currently just 10% annually, becomes frequent and unpredictable enough to deter abuse. Will the DGCA now mandate a higher percentage, or will this remain a one-time exercise after a crisis?
Sources (3): thehindubusinessline.com, businesstoday.in, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
