Director of Operations at Air India has his licence suspended for at least 3 years after failing to clear the pre-flight alcohol test.

• The captain is already a second-time offender for a similar offence.
• The airline had to call another pilot to replace the senior pilot and operate the flight which departed after a delay of 55 minutes, causing inconvenience to passengers, an airline source said.
• Aircraft rules prohibit crew members from having any alcoholic drink 12 hours prior to the flight, and mandate them to undergo alcohol tests before and after each trip.
• In case of first breach, the punishment for such offences under the DGCA rules is suspension of flying licence for three months.
• For the second violation, the licence is suspended for three years. If it is repeated more than twice, the licence is permanently cancelled.