Air India Suspends Co-Pilot After Failed Alcohol Test Before Zurich-Delhi Flight

NEW DELHI: Air India has suspended a first officer after he failed a pre-flight breathalyzer test at Zurich Airport shortly before operating a flight to Delhi. The incident, which led to the grounding of the pilot and a flight delay, prompted Switzerland’s aviation watchdog and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to intervene.

The co-pilot was taken off the aircraft after airport authorities suspected he was under the influence of alcohol. Subsequent sobriety tests confirmed that his blood alcohol concentration exceeded permissible limits, forcing the airline to reschedule flight AI 151 from Zurich. The officer was repatriated to India as a passenger and remains under suspension pending the outcome of a detailed inquiry and medical examination report.

The pilot failed the mandatory pre-flight breathalyzer test at Zurich Airport. Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) informed the DGCA of the violation, after which Indian aviation regulators asked Air India to tighten safety protocols and preventive safeguards.

Air India reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding safety breaches, confirming that strict disciplinary action will follow in accordance with regulatory mandates and internal company policies.

Under DGCA safety regulations, pilots and cabin crew are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol at least 12 hours prior to flight duty, with mandatory pre-flight and post-flight breathalyzer screenings conducted to ensure complete air safety.