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Published 28 Mar, 2024 02:09pm

Air India dismisses drunk pilot after international flight

Air India has ended the employment of a pilot after he tested positive for alcohol after an international flight operation.

The pilot was subjected to a breathalyser test after operating a light from Thailand to India and alcohol was found in his system.

The pilot was training to become a new captain. The airline will file a police complaint

Air India has enforced a strict policy against alcohol consumption. Compulsory pre-tests are required for local flights, while post-flight tests are mandatory for international ones.

The airline stated that they have a zero-tolerance policy and will take strong action.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed about this incident by the airline authorities. 

Pilots and cabin crew went through pre-flight mandatory breath analyzer (BA) tests, checking that alcohol was not sold, purchased, or served on flights; post-flight tests; and post-tests that are done on international flights. 

BA tests are obligatory for all pilots and cabin crew during flight operations by DGCA.

A total of 33 pilots and 97 cabin crew members have been found to have alcohol in their system. Indian rules call for license to be revoked after third violation.

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