Air India Tests 5,000 Pilots After Flight Safety Incident

Air India launched mandatory, one-time psychoactive substance screening for more than 5,000 pilots across its group, including Air India Express, on August 13, 2026. The initiative follows a serious incident on August 4 involving flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi, where an Airbus A320 experienced a sudden loss of flight controls and dropped approximately 300 feet during cruise. The event injured 24 passengers and crew members.

An initial analysis by Airbus SE revealed that three hydraulic systems failed within two seconds, causing the loss of elevators and ailerons. While the aircraft landed safely in Delhi, post-flight toxicology reports confirmed the pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, assisted by Airbus SE and France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety, is currently investigating whether the drug use contributed to the altitude drop.

The comprehensive screening exceeds Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requirements, which typically mandate annual testing for only 10% of crew members. Tests are being conducted at the Gurugram Academy, flight briefing centers, and designated bases. The airline stated the move is intended to restore passenger trust following this event and a previous crash in Ahmedabad in June. The DGCA is currently reviewing its regulations to potentially implement stricter penalties for pilots testing positive due to addiction.