Air India will test all pilots, including those at budget arm Air India Express, for banned substances starting immediately, beyond the existing rule requiring random testing of at least 10% of pilots. The move follows an incident where a Phuket-to-Delhi flight lost about 300 feet of altitude shortly after departure on August 4, injuring 17 people.
A preliminary report says the senior pilot had to retake a substance test, with reports indicating a positive result for marijuana. Both pilots have been pulled from duty while Indian authorities, Airbus and France's air safety agency investigate.
The airline called the expanded testing a reflection of its commitment to safety, a claim it makes while still under scrutiny from last year's Ahmedabad crash that killed 241 people onboard and 19 on the ground.
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