The government is considering annual dope testing for all airline pilots amid renewed concerns over aviation safety following the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The proposal would significantly expand the current requirement, under which only 10 per cent of airline pilots are tested.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is consulting stakeholders and assessing the feasibility of testing every pilot once a year. Officials are also examining the operational impact of implementing 100 per cent testing across airlines.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government wants pilots to undergo testing at random times to strengthen safety standards. He added that both safety requirements and operational challenges would need to be considered before any decision is taken.
The proposal follows the August 4 incident involving Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi. The Airbus A320 experienced a sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members and later landed safely in Delhi. Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured.
The development gained further attention after the pilot-in-command reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test. Both pilots were removed from flying duties pending an investigation.
However, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has cautioned against linking the test result directly to the flight incident before its probe is completed. Investigators are examining technical, operational, medical and human factors.
Air India has separately decided to screen all its pilots for prohibited substances and medications. The government’s proposed annual testing regime could now bring similar scrutiny across the airline industry.
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