Air India Express Suspends 8 Crew Members Over Delayed Post-Flight Declaration

Air India Express has suspended eight crew members for three months after they failed to complete a mandatory post-flight declaration within the stipulated time following a flight from Dubai to Amritsar, according to an ANI report citing sources.

The incident occurred on August 2 after the flight landed in Amritsar. The crew members were required to complete the declaration within two hours of landing.

Declaration Submitted 35 Minutes Late

According to sources the eight crew members completed the required declaration two hours and 35 minutes after landing, missing the deadline by 35 minutes.

As part of the airline’s mandatory testing requirements for psychoactive substances, all eight crew members underwent the prescribed test. Their reports returned negative, sources said.

Incident Reported To DGCA

The matter was reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), following which Air India Express decided to suspend the eight crew members for three months, according to the sources.

What DGCA Rules Say

Under DGCA regulations, crew members operating international flights for Indian carriers are required to undergo a post-flight alcohol test within two hours of landing in India.

The requirement applies irrespective of individual circumstances during that period, according to the rules cited in the report.