PANAJI: Air India has begun comprehensive screening of all its pilots for prohibited substances and medications from Thursday, in a move that goes beyond existing regulatory requirements.
The decision comes days after Air India flight AI 2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a momentary loss of altitude and a series of technical snags, leaving 24 people on board injured. The pilot-in-command subsequently tested positive for marijuana during a screening.
The decision to conduct comprehensive screening of all Air India pilots was communicated to the airline’s cockpit crew via email. The testing is being conducted alongside pilot training at Air India’s Gurgaon Academy, as well as post-flight at airports or other locations communicated by the respective bases.
“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 community at large,” said Manish Uppal, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, Air India.
