Air India Tightens Pilot Safety Checks After AI2379 Altitude Loss And Positive Marijuana Test

Air India has announced mandatory substance-abuse screening for all Group pilots from August 13, following a major safety incident involving its Phuket-Delhi AI2379 flight. The aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude on August 4, leaving 24 people, including four crew members, injured. The pilot-in-command later tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. Air India says the new screening will go beyond existing DGCA requirements and will be conducted at training centres, briefing centres, offices and pilot bases. The airline says the move is aimed at strengthening safety and protecting passenger trust.