Air India has swiftly terminated the services of a pilot who tested positive for alcohol consumption after operating an international flight returning to India. The airline, under the Tata group, is also considering filing a First Information Report (FIR) against the captain, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy on alcohol influence. This move comes after 33 pilots and 97 cabin crew members failed mandatory alcohol tests in the first half of 2023. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been informed, signalling Air India’s commitment to strict enforcement of pre-flight tests for domestic flights and post-flight tests for international flights.
“We have zero tolerance of these things and have taken very strong action, of not only terminating his service but are also planning to file an FIR as operating a flight under influence of alcohol is a criminal act The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA ) has been informed,” airline sources said