India’s DGCA to tighten alcohol tests for pilots and cabin crew

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reintroducing mandatory alcohol tests for both flight and cabin crew as part of pre-flight and post-flight procedures. The decision has been taken in light of the fall in COVID-19 cases and an increase in the demand for air travel.

The aviation regulator, which announced the updated guidelines on September 14, 2022, ordering Indian-registered airlines to perform mandatory Breath Analyser Tests [alcohol test, ed.-] for pilots and cabin crew members on duty before and after each flight.

Following the guidelines, the intake of alcohol is forbidden within the 12 hours prior to a flight, The Economic Times reported.