Mumbai: Just last week, national carrier Air India was forced to suspend one of its senior-most commanders for reporting drunk to duty after pressure from the Civil Aviation Ministry.
Now, the struggling airline is being pulled up again for not conducting breathalyser tests to detect alcohol on its crew at foreign airports.
RTI data shows the airline has not been carrying out mandatory pre-flight medical checks at foreign airports.
In 2011, the airline conducted pre-flight medical checks on cabin crew at only one foreign destination - Dubai. In the Dubai check, one cabin crew member tested positive for alcohol.
Similarly, in 2010, the airline conducted checks only at Muscat and Bahrain.
In 2009, the airline performed better, conducting checks at several destinations, including Tokyo, Shangai, London, New York, and Kuala Lumpur.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules, all airlines must conduct pre-flight medical checks at least once a month at major foreign airports.
DGCA sources said that while other airlines have made some arrangements for this crucial test, Air India has consistently turned a blind eye.
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