New Delhi, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Air India has de-rostered two more pilots after they tested positive in preliminary drug screenings conducted under the airline’s expanded testing programme, with their final test results still awaited, according to a report.
The airline has taken the pilots off duty pending confirmation of the preliminary findings, NDTV reported, citing sources.
The Tata Group-owned carrier expanded drug screening for its pilots following an incident involving an Air India Airbus A320neo operating a Phuket-Delhi service. The airline subsequently introduced a new standard operating procedure (SOP) requiring drug testing of its pilots.
The pilot-in-command of the Phuket-Delhi flight reportedly failed two urine tests after the aircraft landed, with marijuana also allegedly detected in his system. A cabin crew member is understood to have lodged a complaint alleging that the pilot had previously smoked marijuana.
More than 300 Air India pilots have reportedly undergone screening under the expanded programme. Final test results generally take between 24 and 48 hours to process.
The testing initiative followed an incident in which the A320neo reportedly experienced a sudden loss of control over several flight-control surfaces and descended by about 300 feet. Initial accounts attributed the incident to turbulence, while subsequent analysis of aircraft system data reportedly pointed to multiple hydraulic-system failures.
According to reports, the aircraft’s elevators, ailerons and spoilers were affected for several seconds following failures involving its hydraulic systems. These systems play a critical role in controlling an aircraft’s pitch, roll and descent.
In a communication to pilots, Air India said that from August 13 it had begun mandatory screening of all pilots across the group for substances and medications prohibited under aviation regulations.
The airline said the expanded testing was intended to strengthen aviation safety standards and reinforce public confidence.
The preliminary findings involving the two newly de-rostered pilots will be subject to confirmation through the final test results.
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