Air India terminates Phuket-Delhi pilot after AAIB confirms ‘non-negative’ psychoactive substance test | India News - hindustantimes.com

**Air India Terminates Pilot After AAIB Confirms Positive Psycho‑active Substance Test**

New Delhi – Air India has dismissed the captain of its Phuket‑Delhi flight after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report confirming a “non‑negative” result for psycho‑active substances in the pilot’s system. The incident, which unfolded on a scheduled service in early August, saw the crew report abnormal behavior from the captain, prompting the airline to divert the aircraft to Bangkok for a medical assessment. Subsequent laboratory analysis, conducted under AAIB supervision, detected the presence of a prohibited drug, prompting the agency to label the finding “non‑negative” – aviation parlance for a positive test.

In line with its “zero‑tolerance” policy, Air India immediately terminated the pilot’s employment, a move reported by multiple outlets including *NDTV* and *The Indian Express*. The airline also announced the rollout of a 100 % voluntary pilot testing program, extending beyond the crew involved in the Phuket incident, to reaffirm its commitment to safety. The decision follows a series of similar scares, such as the 2023 Phuket‑Delhi flight where a crew member’s health concerns raised public alarm, and reflects mounting pressure on carriers to tighten internal monitoring mechanisms.

The AAIB’s confirmation has reignited discussion among regulators and industry bodies about the adequacy of current drug‑testing protocols for flight crew in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has indicated that it will review existing guidelines and may consider mandatory testing, aligning Indian standards with those of other major aviation markets. While Air India’s swift action is being lauded as a proactive step, experts caution that sustained oversight and transparent reporting are essential to restore passenger confidence and uphold the country’s aviation safety record.