Air India pilot removed from Zurich-Delhi flight over suspected intoxication

Air India grounded a pilot scheduled to operate flight AI152 from Zurich to Delhi after airport authorities raised concerns about the crew member's fitness to fly. The incident occurred on September 6 when Swiss authorities at Zurich Airport notified the airline's safety monitoring team that the pilot was not in a fit condition to operate the service. A preliminary breath analyser test was administered, the results of which prompted the airline to immediately remove the pilot from the scheduled flight roster. The crew member was subsequently repatriated to India on an alternative flight. The pilot is currently under suspension as Air India conducts a full investigation into the matter. The airline stated that safety protocols were properly followed and that the incident underscores its commitment to maintaining operational safety standards across all flights.