Delhi Air Traffic Controller test positive for psychoactive drug; DGCA removes from duty

In first of its kind incident reported in the Indian aviation industry, an Air Traffic Controller at the Delhi International Airport has tested positive for a psychoactive substance and has been removed from duty by the aviation regulator DGCA. An ATC posted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) was subjected to the drug test and was found positive in the confirmatory test report received on August 18. The Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) detailing the procedure for examination of the aviation personnel for consumption of psychoactive substances came into effect from January 31, 2022. This test is done for the flight crew and ATCs on a random basis.

Pilots found under the influence

This is the first instance in the country of an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) testing positive for a psychoactive substance after the rules for testing of flight crew and ATCs for psychoactive substances came into force in January 2022. Since the rules were implemented, three pilots of different airlines have been found positive after the confirmatory test and are being dealt as per the provisions of DGCA regulations, the sources said.

Action taken by DGCA

As per the CAR, in case the result of the confirmatory drug test is positive for the first time, then the personnel concerned will be referred to a de-addiction centre by the organisation concerned for a de-addiction and rehabilitation. If the same personnel tests positive for the second time, then his or her licence will be suspended for a period of three years.

And if the violation happens for the third time, then the particular personnel's licence will be cancelled.In the introduction to the CAR, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mentioned that the worldwide spread of use of psychoactive substances, their general availability and the ever-increasing number of addicted users is a serious concern to aviation safety.

"Their use causes behavioural, cognitive and physiological changes. This manifests in dependence, major health related issues and negative effect on performance," it said. Citing a study conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the report published in February 2019, DGCA said that after alcohol, cannabis and opioids are the next commonly used psychoactive substances in India.

With PTI inputs