The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all Indian airlines to conduct a one-time psychoactive substance test for all pilots, with the exercise to be completed by July 2027. Testing has already begun, expanding significantly on the existing system of random checks for 10% of pilots annually.
The move follows the August 4 Air India Phuket–Delhi incident, in which the pilot-in-command later tested positive for a psychoactive substance. The aircraft suffered a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems at 36,000 feet, resulting in an altitude upset and injuries to 24 people. Air India subsequently terminated the pilot’s employment.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the DGCA is also preparing tougher testing regulations and is expected to finalise the revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) by the end of September after consultations with stakeholders. The government has been considering annual testing of all pilots, although pilot bodies have raised concerns about the operational challenges of testing the entire pilot workforce.