Air India will begin mandatory substance testing for all pilots on Thursday, expanding checks beyond regulatory requirements days after a pilot involved in a serious mid-air incident tested positive for psychoactive substances, according to an internal memo.
The tests will screen for substances and medications prohibited under aviation regulations and will be conducted alongside training sessions at the airline's Gurugram academy, after flights at briefing centres and offices, or at locations designated by pilots' home bases.
Pilots at budget subsidiary Air India Express will also be tested.
Air India did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Existing rules require airlines to randomly test at least 10% of their flight crew for psychoactive substances each year.
"We nevertheless now feel that it is important to go further," Air India said in the memo, adding that the initiative was intended to uphold safety standards and provide reassurance to passengers and other stakeholders.
The move comes as authorities investigate an August 4 incident involving an Air India Airbus A320neo flying from Phuket to Delhi that suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise.
The flight's captain tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, according to a source familiar with the matter.
US and Iran exchange attacks as lull in war appears over
Malta court clears businessman over murder of investigative journalist
Kuwait confirms no injuries after Iranian drone hits residential complex
Nepal flood rescue hopes dim as China restores access to Tibet disaster zone
At least 21 die in bus accident in Egypt's South Sinai, ministry says
Defendant pleads not guilty in Charlie Kirk capital murder case
Nepal flood death toll crosses 1,000, rescuers reach remote areas
UK pledges additional £50 million to help contain Ebola outbreak in Congo
