DGCA Mandates One-Time Drug Testing of All Pilots by July 2027

Key facts

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all airlines to conduct a one-time drug screening of all pilots by July 2027, with testing already underway across airlines.
• The directive follows an Air India Phuket-Delhi Airbus A320 incident on August 4 in which all three hydraulic systems failed simultaneously, causing the aircraft to lose about 300 feet of altitude, after which the captain tested positive for illegal drugs.
• India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in an interim report, called the confirmation of psychoactive substance use a 'serious concern' and recommended the DGCA take appropriate actions on priority.
• Air India terminated the 34-year-old pilot-in-command, who held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and about 5,055 hours of A320 flying experience, under its zero-tolerance policy.
• Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said draft rules on amended drug test rules for pilots are expected to be finalised by the end of this month, with stricter screening requirements expected.
• Malaysia Airlines made drug screening mandatory in August after a cockpit crew member was arrested on narcotics smuggling allegations.