NEW DELHI, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has enforced stringent new alcohol testing protocols for flight crews, mandating video-recorded breath analyser (BA) tests and introducing a “three strikes” policy that permanently revokes the licences of repeat offenders. The revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), effective February 9, 2026, represent the regulator’s most aggressive crackdown on safety violations in a decade, following a spate of high-profile incidents involving impaired pilots on international routes.

The Indian aviation regulator has fundamentally revised the safety protocols governing alcohol consumption for aviation personnel, extending the scope of mandatory testing and hardening penalties for non-compliance. Under the new directive issued this week, the DGCA has mandated that all pre-flight and post-flight breath analyser examinations be video-recorded to ensure transparency and prevent tampering. In a significant policy shift targeting recidivism, Indian pilots will now face permanent licence cancellation after a third positive alcohol test, while expatriate pilots operating under the Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA) will face immediate and permanent revocation of their flying privileges upon a single pre-flight violation. The move aims to fortify the “zero tolerance” safety culture in the world’s third-largest aviation market.

STRICTER PENALTIES AND THE “THREE STRIKES” RULE

The core of the revised CAR is the graded penalty system designed to weed out habitual offenders.

First Offense: Pilots testing positive for the first time will be immediately off-rostered and face a mandatory suspension (typically three months), coupled with rigorous counselling and rehabilitation requirements.

Second Offense: A second violation triggers a three-year suspension of the pilot’s licence.

Third Offense: A third positive test results in the permanent cancellation of the pilot’s licence, effectively ending their career in commercial aviation.

For foreign pilots, the rules are even less forgiving. The DGCA has removed the graded approach for FATA holders; a single positive result during a pre-flight test will lead to the immediate cancellation of their authorisation to fly Indian-registered aircraft.

MANDATORY VIDEO SURVEILLANCE AND TECHNOLOGY

To eliminate disputes over test results and ensure procedural integrity, the DGCA has mandated that all breath analyser tests must be recorded on camera.

Data Retention: Airlines and operators are now required to preserve these video recordings for a minimum of six months.

Fuel Cell Technology: The regulator has standardised the equipment used, mandating the use of fuel cell technology-based breath analysers. These devices are known for higher accuracy and specificity compared to older semiconductor-based models, reducing the likelihood of false positives from non-alcohol substances.

Digital Reporting: Operators must report all positive tests or missed examinations to the DGCA’s digital platform within 24 hours.

CLOSING LOOPHOLES: VIP FLIGHTS AND TRAINING SCHOOLS

The updated regulations systematically close operational loopholes that previously allowed some flights to bypass rigorous checks.

VIP Operations: The exemption previously allowing “VIP” or special flight crews to skip pre-flight testing in favour of post-flight checks has been abolished. All crews, regardless of the passenger profile, must undergo pre-flight screening.

Training Institutes: The net has been widened to include Flying Training Organisations (FTOs). Instructors are now subject to mandatory pre-flight testing. Furthermore, a specified percentage of student pilots must undergo daily breath analyser checks, instilling discipline at the grassroots level of aviation training.

WHY THIS MATTERS

This regulatory tightening comes in the wake of renewed concerns over flight safety. Late in 2025, an Air India pilot was removed from duty at Vancouver International Airport after failing a pre-flight alcohol test, an incident that drew international scrutiny to Indian safety standards.

The DGCA has cited medical evidence suggesting that the “hangover effect” impaired cognitive and physical performance persists even after blood alcohol content (BAC) drops to zero. Consequently, the regulator is strictly enforcing the 12-hour “bottle-to-throttle” abstinence rule, with some airlines reportedly considering extending this window voluntarily to 24 hours.

INDUSTRY IMPACT

Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air will need to overhaul their medical infrastructure to accommodate video recording and storage requirements. The logistical burden of storing thousands of hours of daily footage is significant but viewed as a necessary cost of compliance.

Pilot Shortage Risks:

With Indian carriers having order books exceeding 1,500 aircraft, the demand for pilots is at an all-time high. The strict “one strike” rule for expats could make it riskier for foreign pilots to accept Indian contracts, potentially complicating recruitment strategies for airlines that rely on experienced foreign commanders to bridge the talent gap.

Legal and Union Pushback:

While safety is paramount, pilot unions may raise concerns regarding the accuracy of equipment and the potential for “false positives” ruining careers. The mandatory video evidence is likely a preemptive move by the DGCA to counter legal challenges against licence cancellations.

The DGCA’s move aligns India with the strictest global aviation safety standards. By targeting not just commercial airlines but also training schools, the regulator is attempting to engineer a generational shift in safety culture.

“The message is clear: Alcohol and aviation do not mix. The cost of non-compliance is now your career,” said a senior aviation analyst in Mumbai. As the new norms take effect, the industry expects a short-term spike in reported violations due to enhanced surveillance, followed by a long-term reduction in alcohol-related safety incidents.

REPORTING: AeroMantra Editorial Desk, New Delhi.

SOURCES: DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Industry Bulletins.