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Pilots ask DGCA to test 25 percent of crew yearly
Telegraph India··19 Aug
The Federation of Indian Pilots on 18 August 2026 asked the DGCA to raise annual random drug testing of pilots from 10 percent to at least 25 percent, with repeat selection allowed. It also sought oral-fluid, or saliva, screening beside urine tests. President C S Randhawa said larger operations need faster airport checks. It followed an Air India Phuket-Delhi result.
Prism
What It Means For You
- If you fly on Indian scheduled airlines, the current rule is random testing of at least 10 percent of aviation personnel each year; pilots now want that floor raised to 25 percent.
- Anyone licensed as a pilot can note FIP is not asking to scrap urine tests, but to add saliva checks that can be done faster at airports.
- If you took an Air India flight after the Phuket-Delhi incident, the group has already ordered a one-time test for about 5,000 of its pilots.
What's Happening
- FIP filed a detailed representation to the DGCA on 18 August.
- It asked for 20 to 25 percent annual random coverage and oral-fluid screening.
- The request followed a non-negative result involving an Air India crew member on a Phuket-Delhi flight.
How The Proposed Hybrid Test Would Work
- Randhawa said saliva tests would increase capacity and cut crew downtime, while urine would remain for longer detection windows.
- FIP wants laboratory confirmation of every non-negative result and an independent medical review for prescribed medicines.
- It also asked the regulator to move from a fixed yearly percentage toward unannounced, post-occurrence and reasonable-suspicion testing.
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