Two more Air India pilots fail drug test after Phuket-Delhi flight

Two more Air India pilots have tested non-negative in the preliminary psychoactive substance screening test conducted under a new standard operating procedure introduced after the Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The airline has de-rostered both pilots pending confirmatory test results, which are expected within 24 to 48 hours, according to sources.

Air India ordered mandatory drug testing for all its pilots on August 13 after the pilot-in-command of the Phuket-Delhi flight failed two urine tests for marijuana. Times Now reports that around 300 to 400 pilots have been tested so far, with these two returning non-negative results, which could also be due to medicinal use. News ABPLive says more than 300 pilots have undergone testing.

The airline stated the screening is mandatory and vital to protect passenger trust. Separately, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been asked to review the drug testing framework for pilots and study protocols in other countries, with possible regulatory changes after the review.