Air India suspends first officer after preliminary alcohol test in Zurich

Air India removed the first officer assigned to flight AI 151 from Zurich to Delhi shortly before take-off on September 6 after airport authorities suspected alcohol consumption.

The pilot failed a preliminary alcohol test in Zurich, while the result of a second test is awaited. The pilot returned to India as a passenger and remains suspended pending the final medical examination report.

The flight did not operate as scheduled and departed the following day, September 7, disrupting the Delhi-bound service for a day.

Air India said it has a zero-tolerance policy for breaches of safety, regulatory and company protocols. The airline said confirmed violations are handled under regulatory requirements and company rules, and that flight crew must undergo testing for psychoactive substances.