2 hrs ago
Air India Pilot Suspended After Alcohol Test Before Zurich Flight
An Air India pilot was stopped before a flight from Zurich to Delhi.
Ground staff said they smelled alcohol on the pilot.
Officials then tested the pilot and found alcohol above the allowed limit.
The pilot was taken off the flight before it left.
He was later sent back to India as a passenger.
Air India suspended him while an investigation and medical examination continue.
Swiss aviation officials told India’s aviation regulator about the case.
Air India says pilots must follow strict safety and alcohol rules.
The incident has increased attention on safety checks for international flights.
An Air India first officer was removed from flight AI 151 before its scheduled Zurich-to-Delhi departure on September 6.
Ground staff reportedly detected the smell of alcohol, and subsequent testing found the pilot above the permitted limit.
The pilot was suspended, repatriated to India as a passenger, and remains under investigation pending a final medical report.
Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation took action and informed India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Air India said it has a zero-tolerance policy and will enforce strict disciplinary measures for confirmed safety or regulatory violations.
- Who
- An Air India first officer, Swiss aviation authorities, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Air India.
- What
- A first officer was removed from duty and suspended after reportedly testing above the permitted alcohol limit before a scheduled flight.
- Where
- Zurich Airport, before flight AI 151 to Delhi.
- When
- September 6; the year was not specified.
- Why
- Ground staff reportedly detected the smell of alcohol, prompting sobriety testing that found the pilot above the permitted limit.
Key facts
- Airline
- Air India
- Flight
- AI 151, scheduled from Zurich to Delhi
- Incident date
- September 6; the year was not specified
- Pilot status
- Suspended and repatriated to India as a passenger
- Test finding
- The pilot’s alcohol level was reported to be above the permitted limit for flight crew
- Swiss authority
- Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation took action and informed India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation
- Investigation
- The suspension remains pending a final medical examination report and completion of the investigation
- Airline response
- Air India said it maintains zero tolerance for safety, regulatory, and company-protocol violations
Quotes
Air India
The airline that employed the suspended pilot
“To reinforce a culture of discipline, compliance and accountability, Air India has reiterated to all flight crew the critical responsibility of operating to the highest standards of safety, professionalism and integrity. The airline conducts regular awareness and compliance training, mandates testing for psychoactive substances, and enforces strict disciplinary measures that may go beyond minimum regulatory requirements.”
NDTV
“Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of safety, regulatory or company protocols. Any confirmed breach is dealt with firmly and action in accordance with regulatory requirements and company policy is enforced.”
NDTV
Sources
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