130 Air India pilots, 430 crew members may get grounded for evading breath analyser test

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) might ground over 130 pilots and 430 cabin crew members of the national carrier, Air India (AI), for allegedly skipping the mandatory pre and post-flight alcohol tests.

According to sources, these crew members had been evading the breath analyser test repeatedly, while working in flights to and from certain destinations, including Singapore, Kuwait, Bangkok, Ahmedabad, and Goa.

The DGCA had already served an ultimatum to the AI management over the alleged safety violations by its crew members, ahead of the enforcement action.

Under the specified safety regulations, all pilots and cabin crew members must undergo a breath analyser test before and after the flights. Aircraft rules prohibit crew members from consuming any alcoholic drink 12 hours ahead of the commencement of a flight.

Any crew member who tests positive in the medical check or refuses to take a breath-analyser test is required to be taken off the flying duty for at least four weeks, and the airline is required to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

Because of the large number of the errant officials, however, the DGCA might take the action in a phased manner, sources said.

As per the DGCA, as many as 224 pilots and crew members of various airlines had failed the test in 2016, whereas 202 pilots and crew members failed it in 2015.

Meanwhile last month, the DGCA decided to extend the notice period for senior pilots from six months to one year. Some pilots' unions have voiced their opposition to the move.

— with PTI inputs