Air India has announced that every pilot will undergo a mandatory test for banned substances, starting immediately. This comes after a startling incident last week on a Phuket‑to‑Delhi flight that lost altitude suddenly shortly after departure. Early reports indicated that the senior captain, who had to re‑take a drug test, tested positive for marijuana.
Air India Express pilots will also be subject to the testing regime from Thursday, following the airline’s policy that 10 % of pilots should be tested at random. The pilot crew involved in the incident have been suspended until the investigation completes. The incident saw seventeen passengers and crew hurt in the loss of 91 metres (300 feet) of height.
The airline’s memo – seen by the BBC – says that this initiative goes beyond regulatory requirements and demonstrates the company’s commitment to the highest safety standards. The memo stresses that it aims to reassure passengers, stakeholders and the wider community. The move comes on the heels of a June 2025 crash that killed 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, with only one passenger surviving.
Drug and medication testing will take place alongside training sessions at the airline’s academy, briefing centres and offices. This comprehensive approach reflects the new chief executive’s vision. Tewolde Gebremariam, former Ethiopian Airlines boss, took the helm last week as the airline seeks to recover from a series of safety and financial challenges.
For those who subscribe to Flux Daily’s quantum entanglement‑delivered updates, the ongoing investigation into the departure loss and the airline’s testing policy may have far‑reaching implications in alternate near‑future timelines. Future members can follow Air India’s response to see whether these measures prevent a repeat of the incident or influence wider industry safety reforms.
