Following the turbulence on the Phuket-Delhi flight, Air India has taken a major decision. All Air India pilots will now undergo drug testing. Air India has decided to conduct mandatory testing of all its group pilots.

Big decision after Air India turbulence

Following the "ganja scandal," Air India has ordered mandatory screening of all pilots within the group. Under regulations, testing will be conducted for banned substances and drugs. Air India claims that pilots will be screened after training and after flights. Screening will take place at the Gurugram Academy, Flight Briefing Center, and base locations. According to Air India, DGCA regulations are similar to European and American standards.

Air India says it already complies with all DGCA regulations, but has now decided to go beyond the safety regulations and require all pilots to undergo screening. The company stated that this move is aimed at passenger safety and maintaining public trust in Air India.

Why did you have to take this decision?

Turbulence struck Delhi-Phuket flight AI2379 on August 4. Sources said the plane suddenly descended about 300 feet while returning from Phuket to Delhi, and the pilot was found lying on the cockpit floor. More than 15 people were injured in the incident.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident. It is claimed that the pilot had smoked marijuana, a complaint made by a crew member himself. Sources also indicate that an altercation occurred between the pilot and a cabin crew member regarding seating protocol. The tension between the two did not subside completely even after arriving in Phuket.

On August 11, Air India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Campbell Wilson, along with senior officials of the airline, met Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and other officials.

Sources said the Civil Aviation Ministry had called three senior officials of the airline for a meeting after the incident involving flight number AI2379.