Crime & Law · India
Air India pilots to undergo drug tests after flight incident
Air India has ordered drug tests for all its pilots following an incident on a Phuket-Delhi flight where the captain admitted to sleeping for 30-35 minutes during the journey. The flight experienced a sudden altitude drop, injuring 20 passengers, and faced hydraulic system alerts and autopilot failures. The pilot was reportedly on medication for sleep difficulties. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are investigating the incident, which also involved mandatory drug testing for both pilots. One report indicated a pilot tested positive for marijuana, though their license may not be revoked for a first offense.
How outlets across the spectrum covered it
L 1 C 10 R 2
- Left (1): The Telegraph (India)
- Centre (10 votes, 11 outlets): Amar Ujala, Business Standard, Hindustan (Hindi) · Mint (HT Media — 1 vote), Mathrubhumi English, Navbharat Times, Outlook India, The Financial Express, The Free Press Journal, The New Indian Express, The Tribune
- Right (2): Dainik Jagran, The Pioneer
- International (3): BBC News, Bloomberg, Gulf News