Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Government of India has issued a strong warning to Air India over operational lapses and safety oversight, directing the airline to improve monitoring systems, strengthen internal accountability, and take full responsibility for ensuring passenger safety.
Civil Aviation Ministry has also instructed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to urgently amend drug-testing regulations and widen the category of aviation personnel required to undergo mandatory screening.
Under the proposed changes, stricter punitive provisions will be introduced for personnel found positive for banned drugs. However, employees whose test results are linked to medicines prescribed by a registered doctor will be given additional opportunities to submit explanations and supporting medical evidence.
The government’s action follows a serious incident involving Air India flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, which was carrying 145 passengers. The pilot-in-command reportedly tested positive in a dop test conducted after the flight.
According to sources, the pilot told investigators that he had been taking sleeping pills due to personal problems, which may have led to the positive result. Authorities are also examining complaints from cabin crew regarding the pilot’s behaviour during the flight.
Government says no one will be spared
The latest development has come at a sensitive time for Air India, as the final report into the Ahmedabad crash has not yet been released. The government has treated the AI 2379 episode as an extremely serious matter and indicated that those found responsible will face strict action.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Sinha reportedly conveyed a clear message to Air India's top management that the airline must accept responsibility and that no individual found guilty during the investigation would be spared.
Officials are particularly concerned that the aircraft narrowly avoided a major accident. Reports indicate that while the flight was passing over Odisha, multiple warnings related to three hydraulic systems, aircraft doors, and the elevator system — which controls the aircraft’s climb and descent — were triggered in quick succession.
During the incident, the aircraft’s autopilot reportedly disengaged, and a sudden loss of altitude caused injuries to several passengers on board. Investigators are now examining both the technical malfunction and the human factors involved in the near-miss.
