New Delhi: Air India’s intensified pilot screening programme has flagged two more pilots after their initial psychoactive substance tests returned non negative results. Their samples have now been sent for confirmatory laboratory testing, and officials have stressed that the pilots have not yet been confirmed to have consumed any prohibited substance.

The development comes just days after Air India expanded mandatory psychoactive substance screening for all its pilots following the turbulence-hit Phuket–Delhi flight incident involving flight AI2379.

Initial Test Not Final

According to sources, a non negative screening result only indicates that a substance or chemical marker has been detected during the preliminary test. It does not confirm drug use. A detailed confirmatory laboratory analysis is required before any final conclusion can be drawn.

The two pilots are among hundreds being screened under Air India’s new testing programme, which began on August 13 and covers pilots across both Air India and Air India Express.

Phuket Delhi Incident Triggered Expanded Screening

The airline introduced mandatory testing after the pilot-in-command of the Phuket–Delhi flight AI2379, which experienced severe turbulence and a sudden altitude drop, was found to have initially returned a non-negative screening result.

Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that the pilot had tested positive for marijuana. However, investigators have clarified that there is no evidence so far linking the pilot’s drug test result directly to the in-flight incident.

Multiple Technical Issues Also Under Investigation

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is continuing its probe into the Phuket–Delhi flight. Reports indicate the aircraft experienced multiple system warnings, including:

• Hydraulic low-pressure alerts
• Autopilot disconnection
• Several technical faults recorded within minutes

Investigators are examining flight data, cockpit systems, maintenance records and operational procedures. Authorities have not concluded that pilot impairment caused the aircraft’s sudden altitude loss.

Hundreds Of Pilots Being Tested

Sources say 300 400 pilots have already undergone psychoactive substance screening as part of Air India’s expanded safety initiative. The programme is expected to continue across the airline's pilot bases and training centres.

Until the confirmatory reports are received, the latest two pilots cannot be treated as confirmed positive cases. Officials emphasised that the screening process follows internationally accepted procedures, where only laborator confirmed results determine whether prohibited substances were present.

The investigation into both the Phuket–Delhi incident and the airline’s expanded screening programme remains ongoing.