Air India fires a pilot who was discovered to be intoxicated while flying abroad

NEW DELHI: Following the completion of an international trip returning to India, a pilot employed by Air India had his services terminated due to a positive alcohol test.
Taking a firm stance, the Tata Group airline is also preparing to file a formal complaint against the pilot who oversaw a Phuket-Delhi flight last week and was found guilty upon landing via a breathalyser (BA) test.

Air India was contacted for comments on this matter, which were held until the time of publication.
“We will not stand for this any longer. In addition to dismissing his employment, we want to make a formal complaint since it is against the law to operate a plane while intoxicated. Airline sources said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified.

A new captain was being trained by the pilot on this trip. Since alcohol is not served, sold, or available on domestic flights inside India, pilots and cabin crew operating domestic flights are subject to pre-flight alcohol awareness training; nevertheless, flight crew operating foreign flights are subject to post-flight alcohol awareness training (where alcohol is accessible.) Thirty-three pilots and ninety-seven members of the cabin crew failed their breathalyser tests in the first half of 2023.
A first-time breathalyser test failure carries a three-month licence suspension. If someone is found to be above the limit twice, their licence will be suspended for three years. The licence will be cancelled after the third offence.