Air India Express has suspended eight crew members, including four pilots, for three months after they took a mandatory post-flight breathalyser test nearly 35 minutes late. The crew was involved in Flight AX192, which arrived in Amritsar from Dubai on 2 August. According to Indian aviation regulations, all crew members working on international flights must undergo an alcohol test within two hours of landing. However, the AX192 crew did not take their test until two hours and 35 minutes later. Despite all testing negative for alcohol, the crew was suspended. An unnamed source told the New Indian Express that the crew had gone to their hotel after completing post-arrival procedures because one of them was unwell before returning to the airport for the test. They returned to the airport but took the test later than allowed. Air India Express voluntarily reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator, and removed the crew from duty. Another unnamed source said the crew "forgot" about the test while handling post-flight procedures. This incident comes amid increased scrutiny of drug and alcohol testing in the aviation sector, following a recent incident involving Air India. On 4 August, Flight AI2379, operated by Air India, experienced a sudden loss of altitude while flying over eastern India, resulting in 20 passengers and four crew members being injured. The flight was traveling from Phuket to Delhi with 137 passengers and eight crew members. The two pilots were removed from duty and underwent psychoactive-substance screening. The captain later tested positive for marijuana. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau classified the incident as a "serious incident" and initiated an investigation. In response, Air India mandated drug and alcohol screening for all pilots, including those at Air India Express. Air India stated that the new screening program goes beyond existing regulations, which require at least 10 per cent of flight crew to be randomly tested annually. The airline emphasized that the initiative reflects its commitment to safety and professionalism. Air India Express also asked pilots to voluntarily report any use of psychoactive substances that could affect their ability to perform their duties. The reports would be handled confidentially. Meanwhile, India’s civil aviation minister, K Rammohan Naidu, mentioned in August that the government was considering replacing the current random testing system with annual mandatory drug tests for all pilots. Air India Express has not yet responded to requests for comment.