‘Taking Matter Seriously’: Aviation Minister After Air India Pilot Fails 2nd Dope Test
News india ‘Taking Matter Seriously’: Aviation Minister After Air India Pilot Fails 2nd Dope Test ‘Taking Matter Seriously’: Aviation Minister After Air India Pilot Fails
News india ‘Taking Matter Seriously’: Aviation Minister After Air India Pilot Fails 2nd Dope Test ‘Taking Matter Seriously’: Aviation Minister After Air India Pilot Fails 2nd Dope Test Published By, Last Updated: August 11, 2026, 22:30 IST Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said flight crew testing rules are being reviewed after an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight pilot tested positive in a confirmatory dope test. Rapid Read Air India Pilot Fails 2nd Dope Test; Aviation Minister Says ‘Taking Matter Seriously’ Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday said the ministry is taking the matter seriously after the pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight returned a positive confirmatory dope test. He said the ministry has sought an update from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on the existing regulations. Minister Says Rules Are Being Reviewed Asked about possible changes to the regulations, Naidu said the issue is being continuously studied and that the DGCA has been asked to provide updates.
“We are taking it very seriously. If we feel that the present regulation is not up to the mark, we will respond to it very seriously and improve whatever needs to be done," he said. DGCA Working On Stricter Dope-Testing Rules The development comes after the August 4 Air India Phuket-Delhi flight AI 2379 experienced a sudden loss of altitude of around 300 feet during cruise, leaving several passengers and crew members injured. The Airbus A320 landed safely in Delhi, while 17 people were subsequently hospitalised. The pilot-in-command’s initial psychoactive substance screening test conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi was reported as “non-negative". A confirmatory test was subsequently carried out as per procedure and returned positive. #WATCH | Delhi: On possible reforms in regulations on substance abuse by pilots, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says, “That issue we are continuously studying. We have also asked DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) for updates on that. We are taking it… pic.twitter.com/p0QrSZ7G0v— ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2026 The DGCA is now working on stricter dope-testing requirements for flight crew, with the aim of creating a stronger deterrent against substance abuse among pilots.
What Happens If A Crew Member Tests Positive? Under the existing rules, a crew member whose screening test is non-negative is immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties until the confirmatory report is received. If the first confirmatory test is positive, the employee is referred for de-addiction and rehabilitation. A pilot can return to active flying after rehabilitation and a subsequent negative dope test. However, if the pilot tests positive again after resuming flying, the licence can be suspended for three years. A third positive test can lead to cancellation of the flying licence. AAIB Begins Probe Into August 4 Incident The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has also taken up the investigation into the August 4 Air India AI 2379 Phuket-Delhi incident under applicable provisions and ICAO protocols. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the AAIB is currently engaged in the systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence. The investigation includes examination of the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, relevant operational and maintenance records, medical information and interviews with persons concerned.
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