New Delhi: Air India has suspended a pilot after he failed a breathalyser test at Zurich Airport earlier this month, shortly before he was scheduled to operate a flight to Delhi, officials said.
The incident occurred on September 6, when the pilot was due to operate Air India flight AI151 from Zurich to Delhi. According to officials, the pilot allegedly smelled of alcohol at the airport, following which airline officials informed local authorities.
The pilot was removed from flying duties after a preliminary breathalyser test conducted by the local authorities and was subsequently referred for further medical evaluation. He was repatriated to India as a passenger and remains suspended pending the final medical examination report and completion of the investigation.
Officials said appropriate disciplinary action would be taken after the findings of the investigation are available.
Zurich-Delhi Flight Could Not Operate As Scheduled
A spokesperson for Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) confirmed that necessary measures were taken under applicable national and international regulations.
The operator and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were informed about the matter. As a result, flight AI151 from Zurich to Delhi could not operate as scheduled, the spokesperson said.
FOCA declined to provide further details, citing data protection requirements, and said further handling of the case would be the responsibility of the DGCA as the competent authority.
Air India Tightens Safety Compliance
The latest incident comes shortly after another disciplinary action involving an Air India pilot.
On September 4, Air India terminated the services of the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight after he tested positive for drug use. The action followed an Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report into an August 4 incident involving the flight.
According to the preliminary report, the Airbus A320 carrying 145 people experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet. The incident resulted in an autopilot disconnect, a brief stall warning and an altitude upset, with 24 people reportedly suffering injuries.
Air India officials said the airline is strengthening accountability across flight operations following the recent incidents. Measures include closer monitoring of compliance, enhanced safety-awareness programmes and greater engagement with flight crews.
The airline has also indicated that disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, may be taken when violations are established, depending on their nature and severity.
