14-7-2023 (HANOI) A pilot of Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier of Vietnam, is reportedly facing dismissal after testing positive for ketamine during a pre-flight drug test in late April. The pilot allegedly refused the test with his flight crew and was found to be positive for the drug in a rapid urine test. The news was reported by local newspaper Vietnam News, citing an airline spokesperson, Dang Anh Tuan.
According to Tuan, health checks for pilots are conducted periodically and irregularly, with all violations being strictly handled. The airline will implement procedures to review and deal with the pilot according to regulations, and he will face the maximum disciplinary action of being fired.
Regulations stipulate that airline employees who use or test positive for drugs or stimulants that are not allowed to be used are not permitted to work as aviation staff in any business operating in the civil aviation industry. A representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam stated that the pilot who uses drugs would have his pilot’s license revoked forever.