Strict Action Taken After Pilot Fails Breathalyzer Test Following International Flight
Air India has taken decisive action against a pilot found to have consumed alcohol before operating an international flight from Phuket to India. The airline confirmed that the pilot failed a breathalyzer test administered after the flight’s arrival, leading to his immediate termination from service.
The incident underscores Air India’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol consumption by flight crew, especially during flight operations. Sources within the airline revealed that the pilot’s dismissal is not the only repercussion he faces; Air India is also contemplating filing a First Information Report (FIR) as flying under the influence of alcohol is deemed a criminal offense. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been apprised of the situation.
Unlike domestic flights within India, where alcohol consumption onboard is prohibited, international flights often offer alcoholic beverages. However, post-flight breathalyzer tests for flight crew are standard practice to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Penalties for failing these tests are severe, ranging from three-month license suspensions for first-time offenders to permanent revocations for repeat violators.
This recent incident highlights the critical importance of stringent regulations and enforcement measures to uphold aviation safety standards. With the Tata group-owned Air India taking swift and decisive action, it sends a clear message about the gravity of alcohol-related violations within the aviation industry.
Reports indicate that Air India has been vigilant in monitoring alcohol consumption among flight crew, with 33 pilots and 97 crew members failing breathalyzer tests in the first half of 2023 alone. These statistics underscore the ongoing efforts to maintain the highest levels of safety and professionalism in air travel operations.
