New Delhi: An Air India first officer was removed from a Zurich-Delhi flight shortly before departure after failing an alcohol test, prompting the airline to suspend him pending the outcome of further medical examination.
The incident occurred on September 6, when the pilot was scheduled to operate Air India flight AI 151 from Zurich to Delhi. According to officials, authorities at Zurich Airport suspected that the first officer had consumed alcohol and removed him from the aircraft before take off. He subsequently failed a preliminary alcohol test.
A second test was also conducted in Zurich, but the result was still awaited as of September 25. The pilot was later sent back to India as a passenger and remains suspended while the final medical examination report is awaited.
The incident affected the flight’s operation. AI 151 could not operate as scheduled on September 6 and operated the following day instead.
Air India has reiterated its zero tolerance approach to violations involving safety, regulatory or company protocols. The airline said confirmed breaches are dealt with firmly and that disciplinary action is taken in accordance with applicable regulations and company policy. Flight crew are also regularly reminded of their responsibilities regarding safety, professionalism and compliance.
The incident has also brought attention to India’s rules governing alcohol use by flight crew. Directorate General of Civil Aviation regulations prohibit operating crew from having detectable alcohol in their breath, urine or blood while performing duties. The regulations also require breathalyser examinations for crew under specified circumstances, including flights originating outside India.
Air India has stated that its pilots undergo mandatory pre-flight alcohol screening in accordance with DGCA requirements and the airline’s safety policy.
The Zurich case comes weeks after another Air India pilot was dismissed following positive tests for marijuana after the Phuket-Delhi AI 2379 incident on August 4, during which the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. That case is separate from the Zurich alcohol testing incident.
As of September 25, the final medical examination result concerning the Zurich based pilot remains awaited. Further action by the airline is expected to depend on the outcome of the examination and the applicable aviation regulations.
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