An Air India co-pilot has been suspended after a preliminary alcohol test indicated the presence of alcohol at Zurich Airport on September 6, shortly before he was scheduled to operate flight AI 151 to Delhi.
The matter came to light after an Air India employee noticed that the co-pilot appeared to be in a suspicious condition and alerted local authorities.
A breath analyser test conducted by the authorities subsequently indicated alcohol in his system.
Air India immediately removed the co-pilot from operating duty and sent him for further medical examination. He was later flown back to India as a passenger and will remain suspended until the final medical report and investigation are completed.
The incident also disrupted AI 151, which did not operate as scheduled and reached Delhi the following day.
Following the incident, Air India reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on alcohol and other prohibited substances.
The airline said it conducts regular compliance training, mandatory e-learning and psychoactive-substance testing for flight crew.
It is also holding weekly Crew Connect sessions and fleet-specific programmes focused on health, wellbeing, decision-making and professional responsibilities. Further disciplinary action will depend on the investigation findings.
