DGCA likely to mandate psychoactive substance tests for pilots across Indian airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to require airlines across India to conduct psychoactive substance screening tests for pilots, signalling a potential tightening of oversight around flight crew fitness and aviation safety.

According to reporting by Times Now, the regulator is working on amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) governing doping tests and related screening procedures. The proposed changes are expected to establish a formal framework for psychoactive substance testing across commercial airlines.

The move comes days after Air India Group introduced mandatory substance screening for all its pilots following developments linked to the investigation of flight AI2379, which experienced a serious in-flight control systems incident earlier this month.

Regulator reviews pilot testing framework

Sources cited by Times Now said the DGCA is examining changes to existing regulations covering pilot drug and doping tests. The amendments are expected to define the rules, procedures and compliance requirements for psychoactive substance screening across the aviation sector.

If implemented, the changes would expand structured testing requirements beyond individual airline initiatives and place them under a broader regulatory framework.

The proposed regulatory review follows growing attention on pilot fitness standards and operational safety after recent developments involving Air India.

Key developments under consideration

• DGCA is reportedly working on amendments to Civil Aviation Requirements related to doping and substance screening.
• The revised framework is expected to cover psychoactive substance testing for pilots.
• The changes could apply across Indian airlines rather than being limited to individual carrier policies.
• The proposal follows Air India's decision to conduct mandatory screening of its pilot workforce.

Air India screening programme prompts wider attention

The regulatory discussions emerged after Air India directed all Group pilots to undergo substance-abuse screening.

According to an internal communication accessed by Times Now, the airline informed pilots it would undertake a comprehensive screening programme covering substances or medications prohibited under prevailing regulations.

The airline said the testing programme began on August 13 and would be mandatory for all pilots.

The decision followed a series of developments linked to the investigation into flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi. Separate reports indicated the aircraft suffered a brief loss of critical flight control functions during the incident, which remains under investigation by aviation authorities.

New focus on pilot fitness and safety oversight

The discussion around screening standards has intensified after reports emerged of a pilot testing positive for marijuana following the Phuket-Delhi incident. Air India subsequently expanded testing requirements across its pilot workforce.

Recent reports also indicated that two additional Air India pilots recorded non-negative results in preliminary screening tests, although confirmatory test results remain pending. Sources cited by Times Now noted preliminary findings can sometimes be influenced by legitimate medicinal use, making confirmatory testing necessary before final conclusions are reached.

Industry observers view the DGCA's reported move as part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of operational safety, crew fitness and regulatory compliance.

What could change under the proposed rules

While detailed provisions have not yet been published, the proposed amendments are expected to:

• Define procedures for psychoactive substance screening.
• Establish testing and compliance requirements for airlines.
• Clarify regulatory responsibilities and reporting obligations.
• Standardise screening practices across carriers operating in India.

The DGCA has not yet formally announced the amendments, but the reported review suggests regulators are examining whether existing rules adequately address evolving safety oversight requirements.

As investigations into recent aviation incidents continue, the proposed framework could become a significant development in India's approach to pilot fitness monitoring and operational safety governance.