Air India co-pilot found drunk shortly before Switzerland-Delhi flight, suspended from duty

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 25, 2026: Nearly a month after Air India sacked the pilot-in-command of a Delhi-Phuket flight after he tested positive for a psychoactive substance, another Air India co-pilot has been suspended following an alcohol test at Zurich airport.

The co-pilot was stopped from operating the Delhi-bound flight on September 6 after airport authorities suspected that he had consumed alcohol. He tested positive during the first screening, while the result of a follow-up test is yet to be received, according to Air India officials.

He was subsequently flown back to India as a passenger. The airline said he will remain suspended until the final medical examination report is available.

The incident meant that AI 151 could not depart Zurich on September 6 as planned. The flight was eventually operated to Delhi the following day.

Air India said safety and compliance rules apply strictly to all members of its flight crew. The airline said any confirmed violation of safety, regulatory or internal protocols would lead to disciplinary action under the applicable rules.

The carrier has also reminded pilots and other flight crew members of the importance of maintaining professional standards and following safety procedures. It said regular training and testing for psychoactive substances are part of its compliance measures.

Earlier Pilot Dismissed After Marijuana Tests

The latest case comes after Air India took action against Sudeep Vashistha, the pilot-in-command of the Phuket-Delhi service that encountered a sudden drop in altitude on August 4.

Vashistha tested positive for marijuana in two separate tests and was later dismissed by the airline.

The Airbus A320neo was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it lost around 300 feet of altitude while flying over Odisha. More than 20 passengers and four crew members were injured before the aircraft continued its journey and landed safely in Delhi.

Vashistha had said he had been prescribed medication for sleep problems. In a statement submitted as part of the flight safety process, he said he had struggled to sleep during the layover and had gone for a walk after deciding that some light physical activity could help him rest.

Mandatory Testing Introduced For Pilots

Following that episode, Air India ordered fresh mandatory drug testing for its pilots.

The airline has also stepped up measures aimed at improving compliance, including psychoactive-substance testing, additional awareness sessions and stronger emphasis on reporting requirements. It said it would continue to monitor compliance patterns and the conduct of employees involved in flight operations.