New Delhi | August 25, 2026 | INFRAINTEL Bureau
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is examining a proposal for all commercial pilots to undergo psychoactive-substance testing at random points throughout the year.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation was consulting airlines and other stakeholders on strengthening existing drug-testing standards.
Current rules provide for random testing covering 10 per cent of the overall pilot population. The proposed approach would make every pilot liable to be selected for testing during the year, although the final frequency and implementation mechanism have not been decided.
The issue received renewed attention after an Air India captain operating a Phuket-Delhi flight involved in a sudden altitude-loss incident reportedly tested positive for marijuana.
Air India and Air India Express have separately begun mandatory psychoactive-substance testing for all their pilots.
A stronger testing framework could improve deterrence and aviation safety, but it must be supported by scientifically valid procedures, accredited laboratories, chain-of-custody controls, confirmatory testing and a fair process for reviewing disputed results.
Regulators will also need to distinguish impairment from historical exposure, protect medical confidentiality and define consequences, rehabilitation options and return-to-duty standards. The credibility of the policy will depend on consistent application across airlines and transparent reporting of compliance without compromising individual privacy.