Air India pilot fails alcohol test before Zurich-Delhi flight; the second case of intoxication in service after Delhi-Phuket in | Today’s news
Air India co-pilot found drunk again before flight to Delhi. NDTV reported that the first officer of the Zurich-Delhi flight on September 6 failed a pre-flight alcohol test. The incident happened a few weeks after the Phuket-Delhi flight.
Drunk pilot removed from Zurich-Delhi flight
According to the report, the pilot was suspended after being removed from duty. The jettisoned pilot was reportedly sent back to India as a passenger. The pilot is likely to remain suspended pending a medical report and completion of the investigation.
The first officer was reportedly removed from the plane shortly after authorities smelled alcohol on him. It failed a preliminary test, followed by a secondary test, the results of which are pending, according to company officials. Both tests were said to have taken place in Zurich.
The incident affected the flight, AI 151. It was rescheduled for the next day.
Regarding the incident, a Swiss Federal Authority for Civil Aviation (FOCA) spokesperson told PTI on Friday, “The operator and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India have been informed accordingly. As a result, flight AI151 from Zurich to Delhi could not be operated as scheduled.”
Air India says…
Air India shared a statement with NDTV. The airline said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any breach of security, regulatory or corporate protocols. He added that any confirmed breach is dealt with rigorously and appropriate measures are taken in accordance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
“To reinforce a culture of discipline, compliance and accountability, Air India has reiterated to all flight crews the critical responsibility to operate to the highest standards of safety, professionalism and integrity. The airline regularly conducts awareness and compliance training, mandates psychoactive substance testing and enforces strict disciplinary measures that may go beyond minimum regulatory requirements,” she added.
Flight from Phuket to Delhi Air India
On August 4, an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude mid-flight. Later, the pilot in command of the flight tested positive twice for marijuana in a drug test.
Aircraft AI-2379 with 137 passengers and eight crew members suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude. The incident occurred while he was flying over Odisha. More than 20 passengers and four crew members were injured. However, the plane landed safely in Delhi.
The pilot was later fired. The pilot, identified as Sudeep Vashistha, later claimed he was taking medication for “difficulty sleeping”.
