GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has announced a zero-tolerance policy toward alcohol violations, warning pilots of immediate termination if found with over 0.02 grams of alcohol per 210 litres of breath in pre-flight tests.
The new directive follows a surge in alcohol test failures, including 33 cases across airlines in the first half of 2024, as reported by India’s aviation regulator, DGCA. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and other major hubs have been under close scrutiny.
Air India May Fire Pilots on BAC
Air India’s latest move represents a sharp policy shift from previous disciplinary actions.
Where earlier violations would typically lead to a three-month suspension, the airline will now terminate any pilot who fails a breath analyser test with blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding 0.02 grams per 210 litres of breath, a global standard in aviation testing.
This decision comes in the wake of an internal review and a management meeting with pilots to address rising safety concerns.
Sources within the airline confirmed that the internal circular outlining the updated policy would be issued soon.
Pilots testing under the 0.02 gram threshold will continue to face a three-month suspension and loss of pay, aligning with DGCA norms.
However, Air India has now decided to impose stricter penalties than mandated, especially for first-time offenders.
The DGCA reported 33 pilots failing alcohol tests in just the first half of 2024. The broader industry data reveals a concerning trend.
According to an RTI filed by aviation researcher Chandrashekhar Gaur, a total of 724 airline crew members, including pilots, tested positive for intoxicants between 2020 and 2024.
The number of pilots caught under the influence doubled from 26 in 2020 to 54 in 2024.
This alarming pattern appears to have influenced Air India’s decision to revise its internal policy.
Another official noted that increasing incidents of intoxication among flight crews across carriers triggered a proactive safety response within the airline.
Previous Incidents
DGCA regulations stipulate a clear, escalating penalty system. A first offence results in a three-month licence suspension.
A second failure leads to a three-year suspension, and a third violation results in permanent revocation of the pilot’s licence.
Air India’s new rule surpasses these guidelines by implementing immediate termination on the first instance of BAC above 0.02 grams.
In a notable case earlier in 2024, a pilot operating a Phuket (HKT) to Delhi (DEL) flight was terminated after testing positive post-landing. Such instances, although rare, demonstrate the airline’s readiness to act in serious safety breaches.
While Air India did not issue a formal comment on the change, sources indicate the policy is set to be enforced across its domestic and international operations.
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