Air India has ordered special drug tests for all pilots starting 13 August after a mid-air dive incident following departure from Phuket, where cannabis was detected in a pilot's system.
Air India has tightened control over its pilots following an incident on 4 August when an Airbus A320 plunged in altitude shortly after leaving Phuket en route to New Delhi, injuring at least 24 passengers. Reports indicate cannabis was found in the drug test of the pilot flying the aircraft.
The airline will conduct mandatory drug and prohibited substance tests on all pilots starting from 13 August onward, with immediate effect.
Previously, Indian regulations required airlines to randomly test at least 10% of crew annually to detect psychoactive substance use that could affect safety during duties.
The air accident occurred on 4 August when an Air India Airbus A320 departed Phuket, Thailand, bound for New Delhi. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft suddenly lost approximately 91 meters in altitude, resulting in injuries to at least 24 passengers.
Local Indian media report that the pilot may have smoked cannabis and tested positive in a second confirmatory test. However, Air India stated the results have not yet been received by the airline, and it has not confirmed these allegations.
India’s investigation team has not commented on the pilot’s drug test results but said it is closely examining all evidence related to the flight. The investigation is supported by Airbus and France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA).
The mid-air dive incident occurred as Air India is intensifying efforts to improve its standards and operations after multiple incidents that have shaken passenger confidence.
Earlier, in June 2025, Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 of 242 onboard and 19 people on the ground.
Last week, Air India appointed Tevolde Gebremariam, former senior executive at Ethiopian Airlines, as its new CEO to lead restructuring and operational improvements.
The mandatory drug testing of all pilots is among Air India’s measures to enhance safety and rebuild passenger trust.
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