印度航空公司宣布立即对旗下所有飞行员进行禁用物质检测，包括廉价航空子公司Air India Express，检测从周四开始实施[1]。这一举措超越了现行监管要求——目前规则仅要求至少10%的飞行员接受随机检测[1]。印度航空在备忘录中表示："这一举措超越了监管要求，反映了我们维护最高安全和专业标准的决心"[1]。
此决定源于8月4日一起安全事件[1]。一架普吉特至德里的航班在飞行中突然下降约91米，造成17名乘客和机组人员受伤[1]。初步报告显示资深机长需重新接受物质检测，检测结果呈大麻阳性[1]。目前两名飞行员已被撤出值勤，直到调查完成[1]。印度当局正与空客和法国航空安全机构联合调查该事件[1]。
Air India has announced an immediate testing initiative for all pilots across its operations, including its budget carrier Air India Express, to screen for prohibited substances [1]. The decision follows a serious incident on August 4 involving a Patiala-Delhi flight that experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet, injuring 17 passengers and crew members [1]. According to reports, a senior captain involved in the incident tested positive for cannabis and is undergoing re-evaluation [1].
The airline stated in a memo that the comprehensive testing program "goes beyond regulatory requirements" and "reflects our determination to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism" [1]. Under existing regulations, only a minimum of 10 percent of pilots are subject to random testing [1]. Air India Express will commence the new screening protocol on Thursday [1]. Both pilots from the affected flight have been temporarily removed from duty pending the completion of the investigation [1]. The incident is being jointly investigated by Indian authorities in coordination with Airbus and French aviation safety agencies [1].