An Air India first officer has been suspended after failing a pre-flight alcohol test at Zurich Airport before a flight to Delhi on September 6, the airline said.
The co-pilot was removed from the aircraft shortly before departure after authorities suspected that he had consumed alcohol. He failed the preliminary test, while the result of a secondary test conducted in Zurich is awaited. He was subsequently repatriated to India as a passenger and remains suspended pending the final medical examination report and completion of the investigation.
Pilot removed before take-off
The incident occurred before the scheduled Zurich-Delhi flight. Air India said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of safety, regulatory or company protocols and that confirmed breaches are dealt with in accordance with regulatory requirements and company policy.
The airline also said it has reminded flight crew of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of safety, professionalism and integrity.
Air India requires pilots to undergo pre-flight alcohol screening, with the airline describing the checks as an important part of its safety framework.
Comes weeks after drug-test controversy
The latest incident comes weeks after the pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi tested positive for a psychoactive substance following a sudden loss of altitude during the August 4 flight.
The aircraft had reportedly lost about 300 feet of altitude while flying over Odisha, with more than 20 passengers and four crew members suffering injuries. A subsequent investigation reported that the pilot had tested positive for a psychoactive substance.
Following the incident, Air India ordered fresh mandatory drug testing for its pilots and announced additional measures to strengthen compliance and awareness.
The latest Zurich case remains under investigation, with the final medical examination report awaited before further action is determined.