Two more Air India pilots have reportedly failed preliminary drug screening following a major safety review launched after a Phuket-New Delhi flight encountered severe turbulence that injured passengers.
The pilots have since been removed from flight duties as a precaution while further confirmatory tests are carried out to determine whether the results were linked to prohibited substances or medication they may have been taking.
According to local media reports, the two pilots were among hundreds of Air India crew members tested after the airline introduced mandatory screening procedures following an earlier incident involving the captain of the same flight.
Air India Expands Pilot Screening After Turbulence Incident
The screening exercise was launched after the captain operating the Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi reportedly tested positive in two urine tests conducted after landing.
Reports stated that marijuana was detected during the tests, prompting the Tata-owned airline to order all pilots to undergo screening as part of updated safety procedures.
News18 reported that around 400 Air India pilots have undergone testing so far, with the airline continuing the process across its operations.
The two pilots who failed the initial tests have reportedly been de-rostered, meaning they will not be allowed to operate flights until final laboratory results are available.
Phuket-New Delhi Flight Lost Altitude During Turbulence
The heightened safety checks followed an incident on Aug. 4, when an Air India aircraft travelling from Phuket to New Delhi encountered severe turbulence.
The aircraft reportedly dropped around 300 feet during the turbulence event, causing injuries to 24 people on board and triggering a mid-air scare among passengers.
Investigations into the incident continued as aviation authorities and the airline reviewed factors that could have contributed to the situation.
Air India has not publicly confirmed details of the latest preliminary test results, and final outcomes from the confirmatory screenings are still pending.
Airline Faces Increased Focus On Aviation Safety Measures
The latest developments come as airlines worldwide continue to strengthen cockpit safety standards, including stricter monitoring of crew fitness and compliance with regulations.
Drug and alcohol screening for pilots is part of aviation safety measures designed to ensure flight crews are able to perform their duties without impairment.
Until the final test results are released, the two pilots remain suspended from flying duties as a precautionary measure.
Air India has not indicated whether further positive screening results could emerge as the airline continues its expanded testing programme.