Air India Express has suspended eight crew members for three months after they failed to complete a mandatory post-flight breathalyser test within the prescribed time following an international flight. The incident involved four pilots and four cabin crew members operating a Dubai–Amritsar service.

Breathalyser Test Delayed by 35 Minutes

The incident occurred on August 2, 2026, after Air India Express flight IX 192 from Dubai arrived at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar at around 9:50 am.

Under the applicable aviation requirements, crew operating international flights for Indian airlines are required to undergo a post-flight alcohol test within two hours of landing in India.

However, the crew completed the mandatory test approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes after landing, exceeding the prescribed window by 35 minutes.

Four Pilots and Four Cabin Crew Members Suspended

The eight-member crew comprised four pilots and four cabin crew members. According to reports, the crew was removed from duty after the regulatory lapse and subsequently placed under a three-month suspension.

Air India Express also reported the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Importantly, reports state that all eight crew members tested negative for alcohol when the breathalyser examination was eventually conducted. The disciplinary action was therefore linked to the failure to complete the mandatory test within the required time window, rather than a positive alcohol result.

Why Was the Breathalyser Test Delayed?

Reports citing sources familiar with the incident said the crew proceeded to their allotted hotel after completing post-arrival formalities. One crew member was reportedly unwell.

The crew later returned to the airport to complete the mandatory breathalyser examination, but by then more than two hours had passed since the aircraft landed.

International flight crews may also have several post-arrival procedures to complete, including operational documentation, logbook entries and Customs and Immigration formalities. Reports have indicated that these processes were among the circumstances surrounding the delay.

Air India Express Reports the Regulatory Lapse to DGCA

Air India Express voluntarily reported the incident to the DGCA. The airline subsequently removed the affected crew members from duty and imposed the three-month suspension in accordance with the applicable requirements.

The incident highlights the importance of complying with prescribed alcohol-testing procedures, including the specified testing timeline following international operations.

Renewed Focus on Crew Alcohol and Substance Testing

The incident comes amid increased attention on crew alcohol and psychoactive-substance testing within India’s aviation sector.

Recent aviation incidents have prompted renewed discussion around the effectiveness and scope of crew testing procedures. Air India has also announced expanded psychoactive-substance screening for pilots across the Air India group, including Air India Express, beyond the existing random-testing framework reported in current coverage.

What This Means for Aviation Crew

Post-flight alcohol testing is an important component of aviation safety oversight. The Air India Express case demonstrates that compliance with the testing procedure and prescribed timeframe is itself a regulatory requirement, regardless of the eventual test result.

For pilots and cabin crew operating international flights, completing mandatory post-flight procedures within the required timelines remains an essential part of operational compliance.

Conclusion

The suspension of eight Air India Express crew members follows a delayed mandatory breathalyser test after flight IX 192 from Dubai to Amritsar on August 2, 2026. Although all eight crew members reportedly tested negative for alcohol, the test was conducted 35 minutes beyond the prescribed two-hour period.

Air India Express reported the matter to the DGCA, removed the crew from duty and imposed a three-month suspension. The case underlines the importance of strict adherence to aviation regulations governing crew alcohol testing and post-flight procedures.