Centre Pulls Up Air India, Orders Stricter Drug Testing Norms After Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident

The Centre has issued a stern warning to Air India following a serious mid-air incident involving one of its international flights and directed the aviation regulator to strengthen drug-testing procedures for aviation personnel.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked Air India to improve operational oversight and take greater responsibility for maintaining safety standards. The directive comes in the wake of the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight incident, which has triggered a high-level investigation and renewed concerns over aviation safety.

Government officials have instructed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to urgently revise its existing framework for testing aviation personnel for psychoactive substances. The regulator has been asked to increase the number of personnel subjected to mandatory drug screening and review penalties for those found violating the rules. Authorities are also considering changes that would distinguish between personnel testing positive due to prescribed medication and those using prohibited recreational drugs.

The government’s response follows an incident involving Air India flight AI 2379, which was carrying 145 passengers and crew. During the flight, the aircraft reportedly experienced multiple technical warnings, including alerts related to hydraulic systems and other onboard equipment. The aircraft also witnessed an autopilot disconnect and a sudden loss of altitude before the crew regained control and completed the journey safely.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a detailed probe into the incident. Investigators are examining whether the warnings received during the flight were genuine technical failures or false alerts. Experts from aircraft manufacturer Airbus and representatives of French aviation authorities are also assisting in the investigation.

The case gained further attention after the pilot-in-command reportedly returned a positive result in a confirmatory drug test. According to reports, the pilot informed investigators that prescribed sleeping medication taken due to personal issues may have influenced the test outcome. The pilot’s conduct during the flight is also under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.

Senior government officials said the incident was being treated with utmost seriousness, especially as the aviation sector continues to await the final report into last year’s fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad. Authorities indicated that accountability would be fixed if lapses are established.

Meanwhile, Air India has moved beyond existing regulatory requirements and introduced mandatory psychoactive substance testing for all its pilots. The airline said the measure is aimed at strengthening safety practices and reinforcing passenger confidence as investigations into the Phuket-Delhi incident continue.