NEW DELHI: Air India has begun screening its entire cockpit crew after the captain of an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi tested positive for marijuana, as part of an effort to ensure compliance with regulations and reassure passengers.
In an internal communication to its pilots, Air India Group management said, “Air India already fully complies with all regulatory requirements prescribed by India’s DGCA, which are similar to those practiced in other major aviation jurisdictions including Europe and the United States. We nevertheless now feel that it is important to go further. Accordingly, we have decided to undertake a full screening of all Group pilots for any substances or medications that are not permitted under prevailing regulations. This testing is mandatory and will start today, August 13.”
The communication said the initiative goes beyond regulatory requirements and reflects the airline’s determination to maintain safety and professionalism.
The screening will be conducted alongside training at the Gurugram Academy, after flights at Flight Briefing Centres or Air India offices, or at locations provided by the respective bases.
The management also said, “Over this time the professionalism, skill and commitment to safety of our pilots, together with other staff, has earned the trust of millions of passengers and the wider community.This trust is our most important asset, and it is vital that we do all possible to protect and sustain it.”
On August 12, the pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana during a confirmatory test for psychoactive substances. He had earlier tested positive in a dope test conducted immediately after the flight landed.
The incident follows the August 4 flight in which 17 people, including four cabin crew members, were injured after the aircraft descended by 300 feet.