DGCA Plans Stricter Drug Tests for Pilots

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering a major overhaul of drug-testing rules for airline pilots, with the possibility of making testing mandatory for the entire pilot community.
The move comes after a recent case involving a Phuket-Delhi flight captain who tested positive for marijuana, prompting renewed concerns over the use of psychoactive substances by cockpit crew.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has said that the government is pushing for 100% testing of pilots to strengthen aviation safety. However, he also acknowledged that the implementation must take into account the operational challenges and logistics faced by airlines.

The DGCA is currently consulting various stakeholders on a draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR). Naidu indicated that the revised guidelines could be finalised by the end of September.
Under the existing rules, airlines are required to conduct random drug tests on 10% of their pilots. India has around 25,001 pilots, with 13,989 employed by six domestic airlines, according to figures presented by the Aviation Ministry in Parliament.

The issue has gained further attention following Air India’s termination of Captain Sudeep Vashistha, who was associated with flight AI 2379, which experienced a triple hydraulic failure on August 4 and left 24 people injured. The airline later took action against the pilot after the drug-testing issue came to light.
While the government favours comprehensive testing, pilot associations have expressed reservations about testing every pilot, citing a shortage of cockpit crew, particularly experienced captains. They have suggested that testing around 25% of pilots could be a more practical alternative.
The final decision is expected to balance passenger safety with the practical requirements of airline operations.