Air India has de-rostered two more pilots after preliminary drug-screening results returned non-negative in the wake of the Phuket-to-Delhi safety incident involving flight AI2379, with final confirmatory tests still pending. The move comes as the carrier continues expanded mandatory psychoactive-substance screening across its pilot workforce and removes crew from flying duties while laboratory results are completed.
More than 300 pilots have already been screened under the new procedure introduced after the August 4 incident, in which the Airbus A320neo lost altitude during cruise. The original case triggered broader scrutiny after the pilot-in-command later returned a confirmatory positive result for marijuana in multiple reports.
Air India ordered mandatory screening of all pilots for substances or medications prohibited under aviation rules on 13 August, extending checks beyond the existing random-testing regime. The latest de-rostering shows the airline’s post-incident review is still producing operational consequences before confirmatory testing is finalised.