# Air India orders dope tests for all pilots after positive marijuana result

2026-08-13T10:30:38+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 7 independent outlets

Air India has ordered mandatory substance-abuse screening for all its pilots from Thursday, going beyond current regulatory requirements. The move follows the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379 incident, where the pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory test. The aircraft carrying 137 passengers and eight crew experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop during cruise, injuring 24 people. The government has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to urgently tighten dope-testing rules, including increasing random tests and imposing tougher penalties for recreational drug violations while giving more allowances for medicine-related cases. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is fast-tracking its probe, with an interim report expected within a month. France's BEA and Airbus are assisting the investigation.

## Coverage

- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/india/air-india-decides-to-screen-all-pilots-for-drug-abuse-after-phuket-delhi-turbulence-flights-captain-found-high-11786613010261.html>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/centre-asks-air-india-to-take-responsibility-after-phuket-delhi-flight-scare-orders-tighter-dope-checks-report/articleshow/133205434.cms>
- indiatvnews.com <https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/air-india-air-india-express-to-conduct-dope-tests-for-all-pilots-after-phuket-delhi-captain-found-positive-for-marijuana-latest-updates-2026-08-13-1051253>
- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-india-to-screen-all-pilots-for-drugs-after-phuket-delhi-incident-2970269-2026-08-13?utm_source=rss>
- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-india-phuket-delhi-ai2379-altitude-drop-probe-to-be-expedited-interim-report-likely-in-a-month-2970205-2026-08-13?utm_source=rss>
- deccanchronicle.com <https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/air-india-orders-mandatory-dope-tests-for-all-pilots-amid-marijuana-test-row-1978861>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/india/air-india-phuket-flight-pilot-substance-screening-internal-letter-article-155606317>
- telanganatoday.com <https://telanganatoday.com/aaib-fast-tracks-probe-into-air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-incident>

Tags: Air India, aviation safety, DGCA, marijuana, Phuket-Delhi flight, pilot drug test
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