DGCA has issued new rules which will come into effect from 31st January 2022 as per which flight crew and air traffic controllers will be subjected to random dope tests. They will be tested for drugs like amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates and benzodiazepine and if found positive constantly, their licenses can even be cancelled.

The rules say that the growing consumption and ease of access to drugs and the way the addiction is increasing is quite a serious threat, especially for aviation sector. To keep a check on the drug consumption and keeping aviation safety in mind, the DGCA will conduct random dope tests for the employees.

Before employing any person or admitting a trainee pilot, commercial aircraft operators, maintenance and repair organisations, flying training organisations and air navigation service providers will have to carry out drug tests. All the aviation personnel who have refused a drug test to a foreign regulator during flight operations will also be tested at the first available opportunity.

If an employee is found positive in the dope test for the 1st time, he or she will be referred to a de-addiction centre. The employee will then return to duty after having undergone the tests and then tested negative. In addition a fitness certificate will also be required. If he or she tests positive for the 2nd time, the license will be suspended for 3 years and if tested positive for the 3rd time, the license will be cancelled.