New Delhi, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Centre is considering a proposal to make annual drug testing mandatory for all pilots in India, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Tuesday.
Under the existing system, drug testing covers around 10 per cent of the overall pilot network. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is now consulting stakeholders on a proposal under which every pilot would undergo a drug test once a year at a randomly selected time.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Naidu said the regulator was assessing both the potential safety benefits and operational implications of expanding the testing regime before taking a final decision.
The proposal comes amid increased scrutiny of substance-use regulations for pilots following an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident on August 4. Naidu said consultations on strengthening drug-testing rules were being conducted separately from the investigation into the incident.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is examining the flight data recorder and other aircraft systems involved in the incident, the minister said, adding that a preliminary report could be released soon.
The incident involved Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise following a hydraulic failure before stabilising and landing safely in Delhi. At least 17 people, including cabin crew members, were injured.
The incident also drew attention after a subsequent confirmatory drug test of the pilot-in-command reportedly returned positive for marijuana. Air India subsequently expanded drug screening across its pilot workforce.
Two additional pilots later reportedly failed preliminary drug tests and were removed from flight duties as a precaution while their confirmatory test results were awaited. Around 400 pilots have so far been screened under the airline’s expanded testing programme.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Indian Pilots has urged the DGCA to consider quicker oral-fluid or saliva-based drug testing methods, citing their use in countries including Australia and the US.
FOLLOW NOW
