Air India has suspended a first officer after he reportedly failed a pre-flight alcohol screening at Zurich Airport on September 6, forcing his removal from a Delhi-bound flight. The pilot was taken off duty before takeoff and later sent back to India as a passenger. The action comes amid heightened scrutiny of crew compliance following another recent case involving an Air India pilot who tested positive for marijuana.
The first officer was part of the crew scheduled to operate Air India flight AI 151 from Zurich to Delhi. According to officials, airport authorities subjected him to an alcohol screening before the flight after suspecting that he may have consumed alcohol before reporting for duty.
The pilot reportedly failed the initial test. A second test was conducted subsequently, but its result is still awaited. Pending the outcome of the process and a final medical examination, the pilot has been suspended from flying duties.
He was sent back to India as a passenger rather than operating the flight. The incident also affected the airline's schedule, with AI 151 delayed by a day before eventually operating to Delhi the following day.
Air India said safety and regulatory compliance remain non-negotiable and that it follows a zero-tolerance policy for violations involving flight operations.
The airline said any confirmed breach of safety, regulatory or company requirements would result in firm action in accordance with applicable regulations and internal policies.
Air India also said it has reiterated to its flight crew the importance of professionalism, safety and strict compliance with operational procedures. The carrier conducts regular awareness and compliance programmes and requires testing for psychoactive substances among relevant personnel.
The airline further indicated that disciplinary measures can extend beyond minimum regulatory requirements when warranted by the circumstances.
The Zurich incident comes only weeks after another substance-related case involving an Air India pilot. The pilot reportedly tested positive for marijuana after operating flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi.
The Airbus A320neo was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it experienced a sudden altitude drop of around 300 feet over Odisha on August 4. The incident resulted in injuries to some passengers and crew members.
The latest case has once again drawn attention to the importance of strict pre-flight screening and adherence to regulations governing flight crew. For airlines, ensuring that pilots are medically fit and comply with restrictions on alcohol and psychoactive substances is a critical part of maintaining operational safety.
The Zurich case, however, remains subject to the outcome of the secondary test and final medical examination. Any conclusions regarding the pilot's violation will therefore depend on the findings of the ongoing process.
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