Air India has reinforced its strict policy against alcohol and prohibited substances among flight crew following two recent cases involving pilots, including an incident at Zurich airport in which a pilot failed a preliminary breathalyser test before a scheduled flight to Delhi.

The latest case occurred on September 6, when the pilot assigned to operate Air India flight AI151 from Zurich to Delhi was removed from duty after Swiss authorities reported a preliminary positive result during an alcohol screening.

The pilot was subsequently referred for further medical assessment and returned to India as a passenger. Air India said the pilot remains suspended while the final medical findings and internal investigation are completed. Any disciplinary action will be determined after the investigation and in accordance with the applicable findings and regulations.

The Zurich–Delhi service was also affected by the incident, with Switzerland's Federal Office of Civil Aviation confirming that the flight did not operate as originally planned.

Earlier drug-test case

The development follows another incident involving an Air India pilot on a Phuket–Delhi flight on August 4.

According to preliminary findings cited by aviation authorities, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and the pilot-in-command subsequently tested positive for a psychoactive substance. Air India later terminated the pilot's employment following the findings.

The two cases have prompted the airline to reiterate its expectations regarding crew fitness and compliance with aviation safety requirements.

Additional compliance measures

Air India said it has reminded pilots that reporting for duty while under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances is strictly unacceptable.

The airline's measures include mandatory screening for psychoactive substances, additional awareness programmes, strengthened reporting procedures and continued monitoring of compliance with safety requirements.

Where violations are established, disciplinary action may include suspension or termination of employment, depending on the circumstances and applicable regulations.

Pre-flight alcohol screening

Pilots operating Air India flights are required to undergo pre-flight alcohol testing in accordance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations and the airline's internal safety procedures.

Air India said these checks form part of a broader safety system covering crew readiness, operational procedures, aircraft preparation and compliance monitoring.

The recent cases have also drawn attention to the importance of maintaining effective screening and enforcement mechanisms for personnel responsible for the safe operation of passenger aircraft.

Air India said its Safety Management System is intended to identify and address operational deviations and instances of non-compliance, while maintaining strict standards relating to alcohol, prohibited substances and other safety requirements.

Source: The Indian Express; Air India; Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation; DGCA

By: Aalimi Nation News Desk