Jet, AI pilots suspended, found drunk post landing

New Delhi: Two pilots from Air India and Jet Airways were suspended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for four years after they were found drunk on arrival of their international flights in India. Both the airlines have been directed to register FIRs against the pilots. An Air India cabin crew member has also been slapped with a one-year suspension after traces of alcohol were found in his breath during post-flight checks.

On Aug. 3, the pilot of the Jet Airways Abu Dhabi-Chennai flight was found drunk. On Aug. 10, pilot of the Air India Sharjah-Calicut flight had tested positive for alcohol during post-flight examination. In fact, the airline had to divert a flight to Kozhikode with an additional pilot as the plane ran into problems after the Air India pilot was grounded and the crew was inadequate to operate any more flights.

Citing zero tolerance towards any action of the crew that contravenes safety standards mandated in its operating manual approved by the DGCA, Jet Airways spokesperson said that the airline has terminated the services of the concerned pilot.