From The Economic Times · Arindam Majumder · · 1m 20s
Air India Pilot Removed From Zurich Flight
Air India pilot removed from Zurich flight over alcohol violation.
In brief
Air India pilot removed from Zurich flight over alcohol violation. An Air India pilot was removed from flight AI 151 to Delhi after blood alcohol content exceeded limits, triggering an investigation and safety concerns for incoming CEO. Originally reported by The Economic Times.
Pilot Removed Before Takeoff
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.
Blood Alcohol Test Results
Subsequent sobriety tests indicated blood alcohol content above the permissible limit, grounding the flight and prompting an investigation by Switzerland's aviation regulator.
Incident Date and Context
The incident occurred on September 6 and is the latest in a series of cases where Air India crew have broken rules, adding to challenges for incoming CEO Tewolde Gebremariam.
Ground Staff Alerted Pilot
Ground handling staff at Zurich noticed the pilot smelling of alcohol and alerted authorities, who removed him from the plane before departure.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Pilots operating flights from India undergo mandatory pre-flight drug and alcohol tests, but testing typically happens after landing on foreign flights.
Regulator Actions
The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation confirmed action against the pilot under Swiss regulations and informed India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which has asked Air India to strengthen safeguards.
The essence
An Air India pilot was removed from flight AI 151 to Delhi after blood alcohol content exceeded limits, triggering an investigation and safety concerns for incoming CEO.