Air India Pilot Dope Tests: Air India Removes Two More Pilots After Dope Test Results

Air India Pilot Dope Tests: Air India has temporarily taken two more pilots off flying duties after their preliminary drug tests returned non negative results. The airline is now waiting for confirmatory reports before deciding on further action.

The latest development comes as Air India continues a wider dope testing programme for its pilots. The airline stepped up the checks following a recent incident involving a Phuket to Delhi flight, where one of the pilots was later found to have tested positive for marijuana.

The airline has planned drug screening for around 5,000 pilots working across Air India and Air India Express. So far, tests have been completed for around 400 pilots as part of the ongoing exercise.

The two latest cases were detected during these checks. Following the preliminary results, the pilots were immediately removed from flying duties. Their samples have undergone further testing, and the final reports will determine what action the airline takes next.

The wider testing drive follows the August 4 Phuket to Delhi flight incident. The aircraft encountered severe turbulence during the journey, leaving several passengers and crew members injured. The incident later led to closer scrutiny of the flight crew and safety procedures.

The pilot in command of that flight initially returned a positive result in a preliminary drug screening. A subsequent test reportedly confirmed the presence of marijuana, prompting Air India to tighten its testing process across the pilot workforce.

Under the expanded programme, pilots will undergo testing in phases. The airline has decided to apply the checks across its operations instead of limiting them to the routine testing requirements.

The move is aimed at strengthening safety standards and ensuring that pilots are fit to operate flights. The latest cases have also renewed discussion within the aviation sector about drug testing and passenger safety.

For now, the two pilots involved in the latest cases remain away from flying duties until the confirmatory results are available. Their final test reports will play a key role in determining the next steps.