An Air India co-pilot has been suspended after failing an alcohol test shortly before operating a flight from Zurich to Delhi, adding to growing scrutiny of the airline’s flight-crew safety and compliance procedures.
The first officer was removed from flight AI 151 at Zurich Airport on September 6 after authorities suspected that he had consumed alcohol. According to Air India, the pilot failed both the preliminary alcohol screening and a subsequent test conducted at the airport. The result of a secondary medical examination is still awaited.
The pilot was subsequently sent back to India as a passenger and remains suspended pending the final medical examination report. The incident also disrupted the scheduled operation of AI 151, which eventually operated the following day.
Air India said it follows a zero-tolerance approach to violations involving safety, regulatory requirements and company protocols. The airline said any confirmed breach is dealt with in accordance with applicable regulations and its internal policies.
The airline added that it has reminded flight crew of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of safety, professionalism and integrity. Air India said its measures include regular compliance and awareness training, testing for psychoactive substances and disciplinary action that can go beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
Earlier Marijuana-positive test raised safety questions
The Zurich incident comes weeks after another Air India pilot tested positive for marijuana following the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight that experienced a sudden loss of altitude.
The pilot in command of that flight reportedly tested positive for marijuana in two separate drug tests. The Airbus A320neo, operating as AI-2379, was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude over Odisha. More than 20 passengers and four crew members were injured before the aircraft landed safely in Delhi.
The pilot, identified in the supplied material as Sudeep Vashistha, had also disclosed that he had been taking prescribed medication for sleep difficulties. He said he had attempted to rest during the layover but was unable to sleep and had undertaken light activity in an effort to improve his sleep quality.
Air India orders mandatory testing
Following the Phuket-Delhi incident, Air India ordered fresh mandatory drug testing for all its pilots. The airline also announced additional measures aimed at strengthening compliance among its employees.
These measures include mandatory testing for psychoactive substances, expanded awareness programmes, stronger emphasis on reporting obligations and regulatory requirements, and continued monitoring of compliance trends and operational conduct.
The latest Zurich incident therefore comes against the backdrop of heightened attention to pilot compliance within the airline. While the final medical examination in the latest case is still awaited, Air India has reiterated that confirmed violations of safety or regulatory protocols will attract disciplinary action.
