The Civil Aviation Ministry has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review the existing framework for dope-testing pilots after a pilot involved in the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident tested positive for marijuana, sources told NDTV. The ministry has directed the aviation regulator to study drug-testing protocols followed in other countries and assess whether changes are required in India's existing system.
The move follows questions raised after Air India flight AI-2379, travelling from Phuket to Delhi, suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude on August 4. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, with at least 20 passengers and four crew members reported injured. As part of the standard procedure following a serious occurrence, both pilots underwent drug testing, with the first officer testing negative.
The pilot in command was subsequently removed from the airline's roster along with the first officer. According to sources, the pilot failed two dope tests after landing and was captured on CCTV struggling to stand and requiring assistance. An internal Air India flight safety report accessed by NDTV also indicated that the pilot had been taking prescribed medication for sleep difficulties.
Also Read: Noida Airport Flooded After Heavy Rain; Akhilesh Yadav Questions Preparedness
The pilot has denied wrongdoing and disclosed in a flight safety statement that he had been experiencing sleep difficulties linked to personal circumstances and had been prescribed medication by his family doctor. The incident report also indicated that he was not in his seat when the aircraft experienced the sudden loss of altitude over Odisha, with the co-pilot in command and a crew member occupying the pilot's seat.
The existing Indian norms for pilot dope-testing are broadly aligned with international standards, according to sources. The DGCA will therefore examine testing practices in other countries before determining whether the current framework requires modification. The ministry's review comes amid broader scrutiny of procedures for identifying potential drug use and other factors that could affect flight crew fitness.
The DGCA has classified the Phuket-Delhi incident as a serious occurrence, while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is conducting a separate investigation. Airbus and France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) are providing technical assistance. The review of drug-testing procedures is expected to form part of the authorities' wider examination of flight safety and pilot fitness following the incident.
Also Read: Questions Remain Over Cause Of Air India Incident Amid Turbulence Speculation