{"id":97663,"date":"2025-05-31T15:05:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-31T09:35:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=97663"},"modified":"2025-05-31T15:06:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T09:36:02","slug":"air-india-to-fire-pilots-for-failing-alcohol-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/31\/air-india-to-fire-pilots-for-failing-alcohol-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India to Fire Pilots for Failing Alcohol Test"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GURUGRAM-<\/strong> Tata Group-owned Air India (AI)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s aviation regulator, DGCA. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)<\/a> and other major hubs have been under close scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: Air India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India May Fire Pilots on BAC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air India\u2019s latest move represents a sharp policy shift from previous disciplinary actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> (BAC)<\/a> exceeding 0.02 grams per 210 litres of breath, a global standard in aviation testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This decision comes in the wake of an internal review and a management meeting with pilots to address rising safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources within the airline confirmed that the internal circular outlining the updated policy would be issued soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pilots testing under the 0.02 gram threshold will continue to face a three-month suspension and loss of pay, aligning with DGCA<\/a> norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Air India has now decided to impose stricter penalties than mandated, especially for first-time offenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DGCA reported 33 pilots failing alcohol tests in just the first half of 2024. The broader industry data reveals a concerning trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number of pilots caught under the influence doubled from 26 in 2020 to 54 in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This alarming pattern appears to have influenced Air India\u2019s decision to revise its internal policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another official noted that increasing incidents of intoxication among flight crews across carriers triggered a proactive safety response within the airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: Eurospot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Incidents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DGCA regulations stipulate a clear, escalating penalty system. A first offence results in a three-month licence suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A second failure leads to a three-year suspension, and a third violation results in permanent revocation of the pilot\u2019s licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India\u2019s new rule surpasses these guidelines by implementing immediate termination on the first instance of BAC above 0.02 grams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a notable case earlier in 2024, a pilot operating a Phuket (HKT)<\/a> to Delhi (DEL) flight was terminated after testing positive post-landing. Such instances, although rare, demonstrate the airline\u2019s readiness to act in serious safety breaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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