Air India Express has suspended eight crew members, including four pilots, for failing to undergo a mandatory post-flight breathalyser test within the prescribed time.
The action relates to a Dubai-Amritsar flight operated on August 2. The crew was required to complete the test within two hours of landing at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar. However, the test was conducted 2 hours and 35 minutes after landing, 35 minutes beyond the stipulated deadline.
The airline reported the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and removed all eight crew members from duty.
Air India to conduct additional pilot screening
The action comes after an Air India pilot recently tested positive for a psychoactive substance. Following the incident, drug testing was made mandatory for pilots of Air India and Air India Express.
Air India will now conduct additional screening of all its pilots for prohibited substances and drugs. The screening will be carried out during training and post-flight checks.
Air India Express has also asked pilots and other employees to voluntarily disclose any use of or dependence on psychoactive substances.
The airline said such disclosures will be kept confidential and shared with medical, HR and flight safety officials only when required.
