Air India Express has taken strict disciplinary action against eight of its operational staff members following a procedural lapse regarding mandatory safety protocols. The airline has removed four pilots and four cabin crew members from active duty for a period of three months. The penalty was enforced because the mandatory breath analyser test, which is required after international flight operations, could not be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Timeline of the Incident
The incident occurred on August 2 when flight IX-192 arriving from Dubai landed at the Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar at 9:50 AM. The flight was operated by a complement that included two pilots in command, two co-pilots, and four cabin crew members. Following the landing, the entire team failed to undergo the mandatory alcohol screening within the designated window.
Regulatory Standards and the Delay
According to the directives established by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, flight crews operating international routes must complete an alcohol screening within two hours of touching down. In this particular scenario, the crew headed directly to their hotel first because one of the members was feeling unwell. They subsequently returned to the terminal to complete the screening, but by the time the test was administered, two hours and thirty-five minutes had elapsed.
Test Results and Self Reporting
When the breath analyser tests were finally conducted on all eight individuals, every single report came back negative, confirming that none of the personnel had consumed alcohol. Despite the clean results, Air India Express proactively reported the procedural oversight to the DGCA. Upholding strict internal compliance, the management immediately removed all eight members from active roster duties and placed them under a three-month suspension.
Administrative Engagement After Landing
According to a source familiar with the matter, the crew remained occupied with several post-flight administrative obligations such as logbook entries, customs formalities, and immigration clearance. This heavy engagement caused them to overlook the strict timing requirement for the alcohol test. Even though no alcohol was detected in any of the crew members during the delayed examination, the failure to adhere to the designated timeline prompted the airline to enforce strict penal action.
