DGCA Tightens Pilot Oversight With Mandatory Drug Tests Across All Indian Airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered drug testing for pilots across all airlines, with carriers required to complete the exercise by July 2027, according to sources. The move comes amid renewed scrutiny of psychoactive substance use in the aviation sector following an incident involving an Air India flight in August. The directive was issued last month, sources told PTI on Thursday. Airlines have been asked to conduct the testing of their pilots and complete the exercise within the stipulated timeline. The broader testing programme is aimed at strengthening oversight of pilots and detecting the use of psychoactive substances that could affect their ability to safely operate aircraft.

The DGCA action follows the case of the pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost nearly 300 feet of altitude on August 4, leaving several passengers injured. A preliminary investigation into the incident raised concerns over the pilot's alleged drug use after the pilot tested positive for drugs. The incident has since prompted calls for stronger safeguards concerning substance testing among flight crew. On September 4, Air India terminated the services of the pilot-in-command, hours after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report into the Phuket-Delhi flight incident. 

The report said the aircraft lost all three hydraulic systems at 36,000 feet and identified the pilot's drug use as a serious concern. The AAIB also asked the DGCA to take appropriate action in connection with the matter. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Thursday that the DGCA is expected to finalise a draft of revised rules governing drug tests for pilots by the end of September. Speaking on the sidelines of a conference in the national capital, Naidu said the proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) concerning testing for psychoactive substances are being discussed with stakeholders before being finalised.

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At present, drug testing for pilots is conducted on a random basis under the DGCA's existing regulations. The current CAR requires random testing for psychoactive substances covering 10 per cent of pilots and air traffic controllers, among other aviation personnel, every year. The proposed revised norms are expected to provide a broader framework for testing pilots and strengthen the regulator's monitoring mechanism. The decision to expand testing comes as aviation authorities face increased attention on flight safety and the fitness of cockpit crew. The DGCA's latest directive requires airlines to carry out the testing exercise across their pilot workforce rather than relying only on the existing annual random-testing requirement.

Airlines will have until July 2027 to complete the exercise, while the regulator works on finalising the revised CAR. The August 4 Air India incident has become a key backdrop to the regulatory move. The flight was operating from Phuket to Delhi when it experienced a sudden loss of altitude, resulting in injuries to passengers. The subsequent investigation highlighted the pilot's positive drug test as a serious concern. While the investigation into the incident and its circumstances continues, the DGCA's directive signals a push for stronger checks on psychoactive substance use among pilots operating commercial flights in India.

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