India, Aug. 14 -- Air India (AI) has introduced fresh mandatory screening for drug and psychoactive substances for pilots across both Air India and Air India Express following concerns surrounding the captain of a Phuket-Delhi flight who reportedly tested positive for marijuana.

The expanded testing programme begins Thursday and applies to all pilots, according to a formal communication issued by the airline to its employees. Once this one-time exercise is completed, testing will revert to the existing requirement of screening at least 10 per cent of pilots annually.

AI said it already complies with drug and alcohol testing requirements laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). However, the airline has decided to co...