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The Centre hopes to finalise new guidelines on dope testing of pilots by the end of this month, said Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
Besides, sources told businessline that the DGCA has directed all airline operators to conduct a one-time dope-testing exercise covering all their pilots during the period from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027.
Speaking at an event here on Thursday (September 10), Naidu said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is continuing its discussions with stakeholders on the draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR).
Asked about possible action against the pilot-in-command (PIC) involved in the Air India AI2379 altitude-upset incident, Naidu said the DGCA would have to take action. However, he indicated that the CAR should come out before deciding the nature of action.
“Let us go ahead with the CAR and later we can decide,” he said.
Aviation Safety
The DGCA is said to be considering 100 per cent annual dope testing of pilots as part of efforts to strengthen aviation safety.
According to the Minister’s remarks last month, the existing rules provide for testing of 10 per cent of pilots across the overall pilot network. The proposed approach would require every pilot to undergo a test at a random time during the year.
However, the Minister had said the proposal would need to balance safety concerns with the operational impact on airlines, with the DGCA assessing the implications in consultation with stakeholders.
Furthermore, sources said testing is underway ahead of the revised CAR, with airlines directed to complete the exercise within the stipulated timeframe.
Air India Incident
Additionally, sources said the Air India Group is voluntarily conducting screening tests of all its pilots following the psychoactive-substance finding involving the PIC of the Phuket–Delhi flight.
The developments come days after an official preliminary report into the AI2379 incident flagged multiple issues, including the loss of all three hydraulic systems during cruise, brief disengagement of the autopilot and a ‘non-negative’ psychoactive-substance test involving the PIC.
Notably, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report did not establish any link between the psychoactive-substance finding and the altitude upset.
However, the AAIB described the confirmation of psychoactive substance use as a “serious concern” and recommended appropriate action by the DGCA on priority to prevent abuse of such substances.
Following the report, Air India terminated the PIC’s employment with immediate effect, citing its zero-tolerance approach to violations of safety, fitness, or regulatory requirements.
As per the report, the Airbus A320 was cruising at 36,000 feet when its flight-control system detected a loss of pressure in the green hydraulic system. Four seconds later, the system detected losses in the blue and yellow hydraulic systems.
The autopilot disengaged, followed by a stall warning that lasted two seconds. The co-pilot, who was the pilot flying, initially responded before the PIC took over the controls.
As a result, the aircraft initially gained 372 feet and subsequently lost 292 feet from its assigned flight level.
The hydraulic systems recovered shortly thereafter, followed by the recovery of the flight control surfaces and the return of the aircraft to normal operating condition.
Consequently, the incident caused injuries to twenty passengers and four cabin crew members. Four of those injured required hospitalisation.
Moreover, aircraft suffered damage mainly to the overhead stowage bins and ceiling panels.
In addition, AAIB had noted that the flight crew, despite being apprised of injuries in the cabin, decided to continue to Delhi instead of diverting to the nearest enroute airport.
Subsequently, the crew sought medical priority from Delhi Air Traffic Control.
The investigation into the technical and other aspects of the incident is continuing, and the preliminary information remains subject to change.
Published on September 10, 2026
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