New Delhi, Aug 2026 : The government is considering a proposal to make annual drug testing mandatory for all pilots in India, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Tuesday, signalling a possible major expansion of the country’s existing substance-use screening regime.
Under the current rules, drug tests are conducted on around 10 per cent of the overall pilot network. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is now consulting stakeholders on a proposal under which every pilot could be required to undergo a drug test once every year at a randomly selected time.
“Right now, the rule says 10 per cent across the overall pilot network,” Naidu told reporters in New Delhi. He said the regulator was assessing the potential safety benefits as well as the operational implications of expanding testing before taking a final decision.
The proposal comes amid increased scrutiny of regulations governing substance use among flight crew following an incident involving an Air India flight earlier this month. Naidu clarified that consultations on strengthening drug-testing requirements are being conducted separately from the investigation into the incident.
He said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is examining the flight data recorder and other aircraft systems linked to the incident and indicated that a preliminary report could be released shortly.
The August 4 incident involved Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise following a hydraulic failure before stabilising and eventually landing safely in Delhi. At least 17 people, including members of the cabin crew, were injured.
The incident drew additional attention after a subsequent confirmatory drug test of the pilot-in-command reportedly returned positive for marijuana. Following the development, Air India expanded drug screening among its pilots.
Two additional pilots were later reported to have failed preliminary drug tests and were removed from flying duties as a precaution while confirmatory testing was carried out. The airline has so far screened around 400 pilots as part of the expanded testing exercise.
The proposed nationwide annual testing system would represent a significant change from the existing approach by ensuring that every pilot is subject to regular screening rather than testing being limited to a relatively small proportion of the pilot workforce.
Officials are expected to examine factors such as testing frequency, randomisation, implementation costs, laboratory capacity and the operational impact on airlines before finalising the proposal.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Indian Pilots has urged the DGCA to consider faster drug-screening methods based on oral fluid or saliva samples. The federation has pointed to practices followed in countries such as Australia and the United States as possible models.
The government’s move comes as aviation authorities seek to strengthen safety protocols and ensure that pilots are medically and operationally fit to perform their duties. A final decision on mandatory annual testing is expected after the DGCA completes consultations with relevant stakeholders.
