Air India Express Suspends 8 Crew Members for Missing Post-Flight Breathalyser Deadline
Eight Air India Express crew members, including four pilots and four cabin crew members, have been suspended for three months after allegedly failing to complete a mandatory post-flight breathalyser test within the stipulated time, sources said.
Eight Air India Express crew members, including four pilots and four cabin crew members, have been suspended for three months after allegedly failing to complete a mandatory post-flight breathalyser test within the stipulated time, sources said.
The incident occurred on August 2 after Air India Express flight AX-192 from Dubai landed at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar at 9:50 am. Under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules, crew operating international flights for Indian carriers must undergo a post-flight alcohol test within two hours of landing in India.
However, the eight crew members reportedly took the test two hours and 35 minutes after landing, missing the prescribed deadline by 35 minutes. All eight tested negative for alcohol. Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight AI-2379 Pilot Fails 2nd Dope Test for Marijuana, AAIB Probes 300-Foot Altitude Drop.
Why Was the Breathalyser Test Delayed?
According to a source cited by The New Indian Express, the crew went to their allotted hotel after completing post-arrival formalities as one member was reportedly unwell. They later returned to the airport for the mandatory test.
Despite the negative test results, the delay constituted a breach of the prescribed testing timeline. Air India Pilot Drug Test Shock: DGCA Orders One-Time Psychoactive Substance Screening for All Pilots.
Air India Express Takes Action
Air India Express reportedly informed the DGCA about the lapse and subsequently removed all eight crew members from duty. The airline imposed a three-month suspension in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
The incident underscores the strict timelines governing post-flight alcohol testing for crew members operating international services.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 10:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
