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Air India will conduct mandatory drug screening of all its pilots from Thursday, going beyond existing regulatory requirements, amid heightened scrutiny of pilot fitness following the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight incident.

The decision comes after the pilot-in-command of flight AI2379 tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory test following the incident. Both pilots were subsequently removed from flying duties pending the investigation.

The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, experienced a sudden altitude variation of about 300 feet while flying from Phuket to Delhi. Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.

The government has also asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review the existing framework for testing aviation personnel for psychoactive substances. Officials are examining testing practices in other countries and considering whether India's rules need to be strengthened.

Also read: Marijuana, sleep meds: New details in AI Phuket-Delhi flight case

Under the current framework, personnel who test positive are referred for rehabilitation. A second positive test can lead to a three-year licence suspension, while a third violation can result in cancellation of the licence.

The investigation into the Phuket-Delhi incident is also examining a series of technical warnings recorded during the flight. A post-flight maintenance report reportedly recorded 11 system alerts within two to three minutes, including warnings involving all three hydraulic systems and an autopilot disconnection.

Investigators are examining whether the warnings were genuine and whether they were connected to the aircraft's altitude variation. The aircraft remained airborne for nearly 80 minutes after the initial hydraulic warnings before landing safely.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident with assistance from France's aviation safety agency and Airbus. Investigators have access to the aircraft's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, along with maintenance records, medical information and crew testimonies.

The government is also expected to seek an expedited probe, with an interim report likely within a month.