Shocking: Eight Air India Express Dubai Crew Suspended Over Test Delay
On September 18, 2026, it was confirmed that eight Air India Express crew members, operating a flight from Dubai to Amritsar, have been suspended for three months.
- Four pilots and four cabin crew members faced disciplinary action.
- The incident happened following a flight on August 2, 2026.
- The flight arrived at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar at approximately 9:50 a.m.
The Breathalyser Test Incident
According to regulatory requirements, Indian carriers must ensure that crew members undergo a mandatory post-flight breathalyser test at the first port of landing in India. In this instance, the test was conducted approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes after arrival, exceeding the required two-hour window by 35 minutes. While all eight crew members subsequently tested negative for alcohol, the delay was classified as a compliance violation. The airline reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and removed the crew from duty.
Reasons and Safety Rules
Sources indicated that the delay occurred because one crew member was unwell, leading the team to proceed to their allocated hotel before returning to the airport for testing. Under DGCA safety frameworks, specifically the revised guidelines issued in February 2026, missed or delayed testing windows are treated as distinct regulatory violations, regardless of the test results. There were no reports of passenger injuries, onboard emergencies, or alcohol-positive findings during the flight.
Flight Operations and Travel Status
The Dubai–Amritsar route remains operational, and the incident has not affected the airline's flight schedules or passenger booking systems. Passengers traveling between the UAE and Punjab are advised to check their flight status through standard airline channels. No changes to visa or travel document requirements for passengers have been introduced as a result of this disciplinary action.