Pilots, cabin crew and air traffic controllers may have to undergo tests for drug use, according to a proposal announced by the DGCA(Directorate General of Civil Aviation) on Friday.
The DGCA has invited comments from stakeholders for a period of 45 days on the proposal, following which it will amend its rules.
It has proposed conducting random tests on all aviation personnel such that 10% employees of each organisation are covered in a year's time. In the initial stage, only pilots, cabin crew and air traffic controllers at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports may be subjected to these checks. If a person tests positive, he or she will have to undergo rehabilitation. A repeat offence may result in the licence being cancelled.
Airlines will also be asked to conduct tests on their employees before hiring a person, following an accident as well as conduct surprise checks and follow-up tests on those who had tested positive and undergone treatment.
The DGCA's move is line with the policy laid down by UN aviation watchdog, International Civil Aviation Organisation.
