Air India to undertake full screening of its pilots for prohibited substances and medications from August 13

The move comes days after Air India flight AI 2879 Phuket- Delhi encountered a momentary loss of altitude and a series of technical snags that also resulted in 24 aboard getting injured. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphotos Air India will undertake a full screening of all its pilots for prohibited substances and medications from Thursday (August 13, 2026). The move comes days after Air India flight AI 2379 Phuket- Delhi encountered a momentary loss of altitude and a series of technical snags that also resulted in 24 aboard getting injured. The pilot-in-command subsequently tested positive for marijuana during a screening, according to sources familiar with the matter.The decision to conduct comprehensive screening of Air India’s pilots was conveyed to the airline’s cockpit crew through an email.The testing will be conducted alongside pilot training at Air India’s Gurgaon Academy or post flight at airports or other locations conveyed by various 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”, read the mail from Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, Manish Uppal. Published - August 13, 2026 03:10 pm IST