The Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) will now monitor and carry out regular drug test for the crew members of the country’s two airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
This is following the recent incident where three crew members allegedly tested positive for use of psychoactive substances.
Over an email interview, the Information and Communications Minister, DN Dhungyel, said “Necessary logistical arrangements have been established to carry such drug tests in the future,” adding that there will be a dedicated testing room at the arrival terminal of Paro International airport.
Lyonpo DN Dhungyel further went on saying that crew members will also be sensitised on problematic use of alcohol and psychoactive substance and arrangements made to procure approved testing kits.
The Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) has mandated the two airlines companies, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, to come up with policies for prevention of problematic use of Alcohol and Psychoactive substance.
Meanwhile, the three crew members who allegedly tested positive for use of psychoactive substances are grounded and their aviation documents suspended. They can, however, apply for reinstatement to their service.
The BCAA will examine if they are medically fit to resume duty. The Aviation Authority has also instructed their employers to initiate administrative actions as per its company service policy.
On June 29, following a drug test by the BCAA, a pilot and a female flight attendant of Drukair and a male attendant of Bhutan Airlines were tested positive for use of psychoactive substances on substances.
