The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has tightened the noose on pilots and cabin crew to make air travel safe. Under the new rules that came into effect from February 9, 2026, now even the slightest negligence in the Breathalyzer (BA) test will prove costly. Pilots who try to fly a plane under the influence of alcohol may now have their licenses canceled forever. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of the passengers and the action taken last year.
👉: Air India Fined: Plane flew 8 times without permit, DGCA imposed huge fine of Rs 1 crore.
How severe will be the punishment for breaking the rules?
DGCA has made it clear that ‘zero tolerance’ policy will be adopted in matters of security. According to the new rules, the provision of punishment has been made quite stringent, which is important for every pilot to know:
License canceled on three occasions: If an Indian pilot is found positive in alcohol test on three separate occasions, his license will be canceled forever (Permanent Cancellation).
Direct action on foreign pilots: Foreign pilots (FATA) who fly aircraft in India, if found positive even once in the pre-flight test, will have their permits canceled immediately and forever.
Suspension on second offence: If someone tests positive a second time or skips a second test after testing positive once, their license will be suspended.
Post-Flight Rules: If you test positive after a flight and miss the test, your license will be suspended for 3 years.
Camera monitoring and use of new technology
Now just testing will not be enough, but airlines will also have to keep a recording of it. Officials say that zero blood alcohol level does not always mean that a pilot is fit to fly, as the effect of ‘hangover’ lasts till later which reduces the ability of the mind and body.
Precise Machines: Now it has been made mandatory to use breath analyzers with ‘fuel cell technology’ in place of old equipment, which give more accurate results.
Recording required: All BA tests will be conducted in front of cameras and airlines will have to retain this footage for 6 months for later review.
Counselling: If a crew member tests positive for even a very small amount of alcohol (up to 0.009%), then in the first instance he will be removed from duty and sent for counselling.
