Air India to test all pilots for banned substances following recent altitude loss incident

The airline announced today the launch of a comprehensive safety review and a new pilot training program, following a sudden altitude loss incident that occurred last week. The measures aim to address the gaps identified during the investigation and to reinforce the company’s commitment to passenger safety.

On June 15, Flight 123 from City A to City B lost altitude over the mountainous region near City B, forcing an emergency descent that injured 12 passengers. Preliminary findings point to a malfunction in the aircraft’s flight‑control system, prompting the airline to suspend the affected aircraft type from its fleet pending a full technical assessment. In response, the airline has increased the frequency of in‑flight checks, upgraded avionics software, and instituted a mandatory refresher course for all captains and first officers on emergency descent procedures.

The new safety program will be rolled out over the next six months, with progress reports to be made publicly. By tightening operational protocols and enhancing crew training, the airline hopes to restore confidence among its passengers and stakeholders, reaffirming its pledge to uphold the highest safety standards.