Air India terminates pilot-in-command of Phuket-Delhi flight after drug test positive

Air India on Friday terminated the services of the pilot‑in‑command of its Phuket‑Delhi flight after a drug test returned positive for a psychoactive substance. The decision followed a preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) that identified the drug use as a serious concern. The AAIB report, released hours before Air India’s announcement, asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take appropriate action. The airline made the announcement from its New Delhi office. “The Pilot‑in‑Command of the Phuket‑Delhi flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance….”

KEY DETAILS:

• The AAIB’s preliminary report labeled the pilot’s drug use as a serious concern.
• The AAIB urged the DGCA to take appropriate regulatory action.
• The airline’s termination announcement was issued hours after the AAIB report.

FAQ

• What action did Air India take regarding the pilot involved in the Phuket‑Delhi flight?
  Air India terminated the pilot‑in‑command’s services after he tested positive for a psychoactive substance.
• Which regulator was asked to act on the pilot’s drug use?
  The AAIB asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take appropriate action.
• When was the airline’s announcement made relative to the AAIB report?
  Air India’s announcement came hours after the AAIB’s preliminary report was released.

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