Story perspectives

Air India Captain Tests Positive for Marijuana, Pilots Removed

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The captain of Air India flight AI2379 tested positive for marijuana in a drug test.
Both pilots were removed from the roster pending the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe.
Under DGCA rules, a second positive test triggers a three-year licence suspension.
The ministry will seek DGCA updates on pilot substance-use rules and consider changes.
The ministry summoned Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson for a meeting on the incident.

History

Historical Context

In 1981 the FAA issued a sterile-cockpit rule after accidents like Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 (1974) and Air Florida Flight 90 (1982), creating federal safety-driven drug testing for commercial crews. Reagan’s 1986-1989 drug-free workplace push broadened testing, leading to the FAA’s 1995 mandate that airlines United screen 12,000 pilots annually. India’s DGCA now mirrors this by pulling Air India pilots after a positive marijuana test.

1 of 2

Story summary

The captain of Air India flight AI2379 tested positive for marijuana in a drug test.
Both pilots were removed from the roster pending the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe.
Under DGCA rules, a second positive test triggers a three-year licence suspension.
The ministry will seek DGCA updates on pilot substance-use rules and consider changes.
The ministry summoned Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson for a meeting on the incident.

1 / 2