Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Air India First Officer Suspended After Zurich Alcohol Test
An Air India first officer was scheduled to fly from Zurich to Delhi on September 6.
Staff at Zurich Airport noticed that he smelled of alcohol before the flight.
Authorities gave him an alcohol test, and he failed the first test.
Another test was conducted, but reports differed on whether its result had been received.
Other reports said later tests showed alcohol above the permitted limit.
The pilot was removed from the plane and sent back to India as a passenger.
He is suspended while medical checks and an investigation continue.
The flight could not leave as planned and was reportedly operated the next day.
The incident followed a separate case involving an Air India pilot who tested positive for marijuana.
An Air India first officer was removed from flight AI 151 at Zurich Airport on September 6 after staff detected the smell of alcohol.
The pilot failed a preliminary alcohol test and was sent back to India as a passenger while remaining suspended.
Reports differed on testing: a secondary result was still awaited, while subsequent tests reportedly indicated alcohol above the permitted limit.
Flight AI 151 could not operate as scheduled and was reportedly flown to Delhi the following day.
Swiss aviation authorities informed India’s DGCA, which asked Air India to strengthen safeguards amid scrutiny following a separate marijuana-related pilot case.
- Who
- An Air India first officer, Air India, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation, and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
- What
- A first officer was removed from flight AI 151 and suspended after failing a pre-flight alcohol test.
- When
- September 6; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Zurich Airport, before a scheduled flight to Delhi.
- Why
- Airport or ground-handling staff detected the smell of alcohol, prompting authorities to conduct testing.
Regulatory and Airline Position
Pending Investigation Position
Status of the alcohol finding
Regulatory and Airline Position
Swiss authorities and some reports said the pilot failed an initial test, while subsequent sobriety testing reportedly indicated alcohol above the permitted limit.
Pending Investigation Position
Air India officials said the pilot remained suspended pending the final medical examination, investigation, and, according to some reports, the result of a secondary test.
Responsibility for further action
Regulatory and Airline Position
The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation said it took action under Swiss regulations and informed India’s DGCA, the regulator responsible for further handling as the operator’s home authority.
Pending Investigation Position
The final disciplinary outcome has not been announced; Air India said confirmed violations would be addressed under applicable regulations and company policy.
Preventive measures
Regulatory and Airline Position
Air India said it uses zero-tolerance rules, mandatory psychoactive-substance testing, compliance training, and strict disciplinary measures.
Pending Investigation Position
The incidents have prompted further scrutiny of how international-flight testing and safeguards are implemented, particularly because procedures can differ at overseas airports.
- Airline
- Air India
- Flight
- AI 151, scheduled from Zurich to Delhi
- Incident date
- September 6; the year was not specified
- Pilot’s status
- The first officer was removed from operating duty, repatriated to India as a passenger, and suspended pending medical examination and investigation
- Testing reports
- The pilot failed a preliminary test; reports differed on whether a secondary result was pending, while subsequent testing reportedly indicated alcohol above the permitted limit
- Flight disruption
- AI 151 could not operate as scheduled and was reportedly flown to Delhi the following day
- Regulatory response
- Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation informed India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which asked Air India to strengthen safeguards
- Related case
- Air India pilot Sudeep Vashistha was dismissed after testing positive twice for marijuana following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident
Sources
After marijuana, alcohol: Air India pilot fails pre-flight test on Zurich-Delhi flight - Telegraph India
Air India Pilot Removed From Zurich-Delhi Flight After Testing Positive For Alcohol In Zurich
Air India pilot suspended after failing pre-flight alcohol test on Zurich-Delhi route
Air India first officer was sent back to India as a passenger and remains suspended pending the final medical examinatio
Air India pilot fails alcohol test before Zurich-Delhi flight; second case of intoxication on duty after Delhi-Phuket in
Air India Pilot Fails Breathalyser Test at Zurich Airport, Faces Suspension
Air India Pilot Fails Alcohol Test Before Zurich-Delhi Flight, Suspended
