Business

Another alcohol safety test for Air India

By Sohail Khan 24 September 2026, 11:17 pm

Benchmarks
Nifty23,063.10-383.71

FEATURED FUNDS★★★★★

Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth

5Y Return
21.07 %

Invest Now

Enter search text:

Business News›Industry›Transportation›Airlines / Aviation›Air India pilot removed from Zurich flight over alcohol violation

Read Today's Paper

Air India pilot removed from Zurich flight over alcohol violation
Synopsis

An Air India pilot was removed from his aircraft in Zurich due to alcohol consumption before take-off. Authorities conducted sobriety tests that revealed blood alcohol content exceeding the permissible limit for pilots. As a result, the flight AI 151 to Delhi was grounded, leading to an investigation by Swiss aviation regulators. Both Air India and IndiGo enforce strict zero-tolerance policies for alcohol violations among crew members.

New Delhi: An Air India pilot was removed from an aircraft at Zurich airport by authorities before take-off after being found under the influence of alcohol. Subsequent sobriety tests indicated blood alcohol content above the permissible limit, grounding the flight and prompting an investigation by Switzerland's aviation regulator.

The incident, which occurred on September 6, is the latest in a series of cases where Air India crew have broken rules — including one where a pilot operated an aircraft under the influence of drugs — adding to the challenges facing incoming CEO Tewolde Gebremariam, who has identified building a safety culture as his priority.

Also Read: Air India staff suspended after passengers bypass immigration at Delhi airport

Ground handling staff at Zurich noticed the pilot smelling of alcohol and alerted authorities, who removed him from the plane before departure.

Pilots operating flights originating from India are subject to mandatory pre-flight drug and alcohol tests. On flights departing from foreign airports, however, testing typically happens after landing. Both Air India and IndiGo maintain a zero-tolerance policy under which even a minor trace of alcohol constitutes a violation.

The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) confirmed to ET that it has taken action against the pilot under Swiss regulations and informed India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). "As a result, flight AI 151 from Zurich to Delhi could not be operated as scheduled. The responsibility for further handling of this case lies with the DGCA as the competent authority of the state of the operator," a FOCA spokesperson said.

The incident has also drawn scrutiny from the DGCA, which has asked Air India to strengthen its safeguards. The regulator is set to face an audit by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and any adverse outcome could result in restrictions on Indian carriers' American operations.

Senior pilots blamed a growing disconnect between management and cockpit crew for the lapses. "There is a yawning gap between the top management and the flying pilots. The top management is chasing growth. The people flying the aircraft are not getting the attention they deserve," said a senior Air India captain on condition of anonymity.

Also Read: Air India Board clears all decks as new chief Tewolde Gebremariam enters the cockpit

Senior Air India officials, however, said the Zurich incident was reported by the airline's own staff — a sign, they argued, that its safety monitoring system is working. "There will be some bad apples. The expectation is that responsible colleagues will report any dereliction in duty. Safety remains the cornerstone of Air India," an official said. The airline has also stepped up leadership engagement with flight crew, expanded fleet-specific sessions on health, wellbeing and professional responsibilities, and introduced additional support mechanisms for crew members, officials said.

An Air India spokesperson said the airline maintains a zero-tolerance policy on safety and regulatory violations. "Any confirmed breach is dealt with firmly and action in accordance with regulatory requirements and company policy is enforced," the spokesperson said.

Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source
Add Now!

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The .)

…moreless

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

Read More News on
Air India pilot alcohol violationZurich airport incidentAir India safety cultureDGCA investigationFAA auditpilot removed from flightSwitzerland aviation regulations

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The .)

…moreless

Enter search text:

Continue reading with one of these options:
Limited Access
Free
Login to get access to some exclusive stories

& personalised newsletters
Login Now

Unlimited Access
Starting @ Rs120/month
Get access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &

in-depth stock reports
Subscribe Now

Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL

15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers

Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00

I'd rather pay ₹2599 now

Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!

Subscribe to gain powerful insights on business, stock market and industry trends.

Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off

Student Only Offer

Already a Member? Sign In now

Already a Member? Sign In now
Already a Member? Sign In now

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Special Offer

Get flat 40% off on ETPrime

Avail Offer
Avail Offer

Claim NowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Need Assistance?

Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance

+91 9484700004

' + h3 + '

' + h4 + '

' + listing + '

What’s Included with

ETPrime Membership

1Exclusive Insights That Matter

Uncover the truth with our investigative stories

Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies

Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends

Spot opportunities with in-depth insights that matter

Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US

What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising
Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.

Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?
Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?

The problem with lab grown diamonds
Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy

A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year