Air India pilot found drunk before getting on Zurich-Delhi flight, suspended

Air India has suspended a pilot after he failed a breath analyser test at Zurich airport earlier this month, shortly before he was scheduled to operate a flight to Delhi. The pilot was removed from flying duties after local authorities conducted a preliminary breathalyser test, and he was later sent back to India as a passenger.

He remains suspended pending a final medical examination report and completion of the investigation.

The incident took place on September 6, when the pilot was scheduled to operate Air India flight AI151 from Switzerland’s Zurich to Delhi.

According to officials aware of the matter, airline personnel noticed that the pilot did not appear normal and also detected the smell of alcohol.

The airline's airport team subsequently alerted Zurich airport authorities and voluntarily reported the matter. The pilot was removed from operating duties after the preliminary breath analyser report was received from the local authorities.

He was referred for further medical evaluation and the scheduled flight could not operate as planned, resulting in a delay.

A spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) confirmed that necessary measures were taken in accordance with applicable national and international regulations.

The operator and India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were informed, the spokesperson said, adding that AI151 from Zurich to Delhi could not be operated as scheduled. "Due to data protection," FOCA said it could not provide further details about the case.

It also said that responsibility for the further handling of the matter rests with the DGCA as the competent authority of the state of the operator. Sources said the incident was detected through Air India's internal safety monitoring and reporting mechanism.

The airline's safety management system (SMS) protocol led to the matter being identified and reported before the pilot could operate the flight.

The prompt intervention, according to sources, reflected the carrier's internal monitoring and compliance processes.

The development comes days after Air India terminated the services of the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight who had tested positive for drug use.

That pilot's termination followed a preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the August 4 incident, in which the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and 24 passengers were injured.

The AAIB report said the A320 aircraft, carrying 145 people, suffered a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet.

The event triggered an autopilot disconnect, a brief stall warning and an altitude upset. In the wake of the recent incidents, Air India said it is strengthening accountability across flight operations.

Officials said the airline is continuing mandatory testing of pilots for psychoactive substances while also monitoring compliance trends and operational conduct.

It is also enhancing safety-awareness programmes and leadership engagement with flight crew.

The Zurich pilot will remain under suspension until the final medical findings and investigation are completed. Officials said any disciplinary action will be determined based on the findings and the nature and severity of the established violation.- Ends

Amit Bhardwaj is among the “politics-election buff” journalists redefining how news connects with a younger audience. Currently an Associate Editor at India Today, he has built a reputation for incisive on-ground reporting right from centre of politics - the Indian Parliament, to the machine of politics- high-stakes Indian elections and to civil aviation sector. 

In the last eleven years, he has tracked India through a dozen state elections and consistently reported from the heart of India’s political churn, with a strong focus on the evolving dynamics of the opposition- INDIA bloc. He also tracks Aam Aadmi Party and Telugu Desam Party.

Known for blending easygoing storytelling with factual reportage, Amit Bhardwaj has delivered consistently from mines to skies. He has covered the rescue operations and rat miners in Joshimath. He extensively covered the tragic Air India 171 Ahmedabad crash in June 2025. His work on airline disruptions including the Indigo 2025 crisis, regulatory crackdowns, and aviation safety has added a distinct edge to his political reporting portfolio.   

Amit was amongst few India journalists to witness Nepal's GenZ revolution firsthand as it was unfolding on the streets of Kathmandu. His documentary "Joshimath: A Cry For Help" was awarded ENBA Gold for Best In-depth Series.  

Before joining India Today, he honed his craft at Newslaundry and Tehelka- in its prime, it was a thing- and has also contributed long-form pieces to The Caravan.  

A distinct voice with a cheerfully incisive tone on the popular podcast Reporters Off Air, Bhardwaj brings insider perspectives and futuristic predictions .  

Amit hails from Jharkhand, and often greets others with Jai Johar!