Govt asks DGCA to review dope-test rules after AI pilot tests positive for drugs

Sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the DGCA has been asked to examine how psychoactive-substance testing is conducted in other countries and assess whether India's existing protocols need to be strengthened or reframed.The DGCA has been asked to review dope-test rules for pilots after the Air India sudden drop incident.The government has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review the framework for dope tests on pilots after the pilot-in-command of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop last week tested positive for marijuana.The incident on board Air India flight AI2379 on August 4 left 24 passengers and crew members injured.Sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the DGCA has been asked to examine how psychoactive-substance testing is conducted in other countries and assess whether India's existing protocols need to be strengthened or reframed.Under the current DGCA framework, aviation personnel who test positive for psychoactive substances are referred for a rehabilitation programme. A second positive test can result in suspension of the person's licence for three years, while a third violation can lead to cancellation of the licence. The Ministry is concerned about the test result of the Air India pilot and is examining whether the existing regulatory framework is adequate, even though India's procedures for testing flying crew are currently aligned with international norms.A senior ministry source said any changes to the dope-testing framework would be considered after the DGCA completes its review of practices followed internationally. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is probing the incident with technical assistance from Airbus and France's BEA, said both pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive-substance screening after the incident.According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the screening test of the pilot-in-command indicated a result requiring confirmatory analysis, following which the sample was sent to a designated laboratory.The DGCA subsequently removed both pilots from the flying roster pending completion of the investigation and testing process.The reported positive confirmatory test has now prompted the Ministry to look more closely at the regulatory safeguards surrounding drug and substance testing among flight crew.Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu had earlier said the government was taking the matter seriously and would consider changes if the existing regulations were found inadequate.Meanwhile, the AAIB investigation into the Air India incident remains underway.The probe agency has said it is examining technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence, including aircraft systems, flight data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and interviews.The AAIB has cautioned against drawing conclusions from any isolated piece of information while the investigation is in progress, saying the enquiry is independent and evidence-based.It is expected to issue preliminary findings within the stipulated timeframe under applicable provisions and International Civil Aviation Organization protocols.- EndsPublished By: Karishma Saurabh KalitaPublished On: Aug 13, 2026 08:51 IST