Air India Implements Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing for All Pilots After Altitude Incident

Air India has announced mandatory drug and alcohol testing for all its pilots, effective immediately. This decision follows a recent event where an Air India flight experienced a sudden loss of altitude, causing injuries to several passengers.

The testing regime will encompass every pilot employed by Air India, as well as those operating under its subsidiary airlines, Air India Express and AIX Connect. This move highlights a broader organisational focus on safety protocols within the national carrier.

While Air India has not explicitly linked the recent altitude deviation incident to substance impairment, the swift introduction of universal testing suggests a proactive approach to ensuring operational integrity and public confidence. The airline's public statements have emphasised a commitment to the highest safety standards, though specific details regarding the incident's internal investigation remain undisclosed.