After an aerial incident under investigation, 'Indian Airlines' mandates drug tests for all its pilots

Air India has taken a new step to strengthen safety measures by mandating drug and alcohol testing for all pilots in the group, in accordance with regulatory prohibitions, rather than relying solely on the random testing currently required by regulations.

According to an internal memo reviewed by the Agence France-Presse (AFP), the measure will take effect starting Thursday, following an incident on August 4 in which an Airbus A320 flight from Phuket to New Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude, resulting in injuries to several passengers and crew members.

Media reports circulated information indicating that the flight captain tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory test. However, Air India stated that the test results had not been shared with the company, and investigators have not publicly determined the cause of the incident or established a link between the test results and what happened to the aircraft.

Investigators continue to examine evidence related to the flight, amid growing scrutiny of safety procedures within the airline, which is simultaneously working to restructure its operations following a series of challenges it has faced in recent months.