Air India’s all pilots to be screened for drug abuse after Phuket-Delhi flight row: What its email to employees said

Air India Pilots Drug Screening After Phuket Flight

Theindiapostdaily.com – Air India s all pilots will undergo mandatory drug testing following a turbulence incident on its Phuket-Delhi route. The airline announced this comprehensive screening program through an internal email to employees, as reported by Mint. The decision comes after Flight AI2379 experienced a sudden 300-foot descent on August 4, injuring four crew members and twenty passengers during the journey from Thailand to India.

The new protocol extends beyond regular pilots to include Air India Express crew members as well. According to Reuters, the captain who piloted the Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana during follow-up drug analysis. This finding prompted the carrier to implement stricter screening measures across its entire pilot workforce.

For decades, Air India has been the flag bearer of Indian aviation. 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.

Air India emphasized that passenger confidence remains its top priority. The airline noted that while existing procedures already comply with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines, the additional testing goes beyond regulatory requirements. These enhanced measures mirror standards already adopted by European and American aviation authorities.

Testing Schedule and Locations

Comprehensive drug examinations covering prohibited medications and substances will begin on Thursday. Testing will take place at multiple venues including the Gurugram Academy, Flight Briefing Centres, Air India offices, and facilities near each pilot’s home base. The flexible scheduling ensures minimal disruption to flight operations while accommodating all crew members.

This initiative, which goes beyond regulatory requirements, reflects our determination to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, and to provide reassurance to our passengers, stakeholders and the community at large.

Technical Issues in Post-Flight Report

A maintenance document issued after Flight AI2379 revealed multiple system alerts related to the aircraft’s hydraulic mechanisms, autopilot functionality, and flight control surfaces. The report concerns an Airbus A320 with registration VT-EXO. The green, blue, and yellow hydraulic circuits generated repeated low-pressure notifications during the flight. Fluid levels appeared insufficient within both the blue and yellow reservoirs.

The autopilot disconnected on two separate occasions while the aircraft was en route. Additional complications involved the left and right elevator controls, engine anti-ice system messages, and emergency exit door indicators for the right forward and aft positions. Further failures included hydraulic system malfunctions, an elevator computer issue, and high-pressure indications linked to the nose landing gear door and engine anti-ice valve assembly.

Initially, Air India attributed the turbulence-related incident to weather conditions. Both the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched investigations, classifying the event as a serious occurrence. The maintenance documentation does not definitively confirm whether the hydraulic and flight-control warnings directly caused the altitude reduction or if genuine pressure or fluid loss occurred.

Investigators continue analyzing crew responses, aircraft system records, and the chronological sequence of events. Passenger and crew wellbeing remains Air India’s foremost concern, with the company actively cooperating alongside governmental authorities. Senior officials within the Civil Aviation Ministry are closely tracking investigative progress. Additional conclusions from the AAIB examination are anticipated in due course.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the drug testing begin? Comprehensive examinations covering prohibited medications and substances will commence on Thursday following the announcement.

Which pilots are included in the screening? Air India s all pilots, including those from Air India Express, the carrier’s low-cost subsidiary, will participate in the mandatory testing program.

What was the captain found to have? The captain responsible for the Phuket-Delhi route subsequently tested positive for marijuana during a confirmation drug analysis.

How many people were injured in the incident? The sudden altitude change resulted in injuries to four crew members and twenty passengers aboard the aircraft.

What investigations are underway? Both the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched investigations, classifying the event as a serious occurrence.