Two more Air India pilots have reportedly failed the preliminary stage of drug testing ordered by the airline following a serious incident involving a Phuket-Delhi flight. The pilots have been temporarily removed from flying duties while their final test results are awaited.

According to a report by News18, the two pilots are among more than 300 Air India pilots who have undergone testing since the airline expanded its drug-screening exercise. The final results are generally expected within 24 to 48 hours.

Pilots De-Rostered Pending Results

The pilots have been de-rostered, meaning they have been temporarily taken off flying duties until the testing process is completed.

A preliminary positive or non-negative result does not by itself establish that a pilot consumed drugs. Confirmatory laboratory testing is required before any conclusion can be drawn or disciplinary action is taken.

The testing drive was introduced as part of a revised standard operating procedure (SOP) following heightened scrutiny of cockpit safety and crew fitness.

Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident

The wider testing exercise began after the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight reportedly returned two positive urine tests after the aircraft landed. Marijuana was reportedly detected during the tests.

A cabin crew member also reportedly alleged that the pilot had previously smoked marijuana.

The incident attracted attention after the Airbus A320neo operating the flight experienced a sudden drop of around 300 feet, reportedly leaving 17 people injured.

Technical Failure Under Investigation

While early reports linked the sudden altitude change to turbulence, subsequent information from the aircraft's system logs reportedly pointed towards a technical malfunction involving the aircraft's hydraulic systems and flight controls.

The aircraft reportedly experienced a simultaneous loss of control of key flight surfaces, including the elevators and ailerons, for approximately four seconds. The spoilers were also affected.

The technical issue has added another layer to the investigation into the flight.

Why Hydraulic Systems Matter

Hydraulic systems are essential to the operation of several aircraft flight-control surfaces.

Elevators control the aircraft's pitch, allowing the nose to move up or down, while ailerons control roll by changing the lift generated by the wings. Spoilers reduce lift and increase drag and can also assist during descent and landing.

A simultaneous disruption involving several of these systems can therefore create a serious flight-control challenge for pilots.

Air India Tightens Drug Testing

Following the Phuket-Delhi incident, Air India directed pilots to undergo drug testing as part of strengthened safety procedures.

The airline has previously stated that drug testing of crew members is carried out in accordance with applicable civil aviation regulations. It has also maintained that such testing forms part of its broader safety procedures and is not conducted solely because of an individual flight incident.

The latest preliminary results are likely to increase scrutiny of cockpit fitness and compliance with safety requirements.

Final Tests Will Determine Next Steps

The two pilots will remain off flying duties while their final test results are processed. A preliminary result alone cannot determine whether a violation has occurred.

The outcome of the confirmatory tests will determine whether further action is required against the pilots.

The development comes as Air India faces increased attention over flight safety, technical reliability and crew fitness following a series of incidents. The airline's expanded testing programme is intended to strengthen compliance and ensure that pilots meet the required medical and safety standards before operating commercial flights.