PIA makes alcohol test mandatory for crew

Earlier, only cockpit crew had to clear the test before flying

Pakistani aviation officials have sent new notices to flight crew reminding them: Don’t drink and fly. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has introduced mandatory pre-flight alcohol testing for cabin crew. Previously, only pilots and cockpit crew had to clear the test before flying.

The latest directive says that all cabin crew must undergo a ‘Breathalyzer test’ to determine the level of alcohol in blood before allowing them to commence flight operations. The tests will be conducted on all flights both national and international by the flight surgeons and medical officers.

The decision has been taken to discourage the consumption of alcohol and drugs by any flight crew. The advisory is in line with the rules of the International Civil Aviation Authority and the International Aviation Safety Assessment, the spokesperson said.

The new instructions come after Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) warned flight crew against smoking. It is “not only a gross violation of regulations but an open denial of the rules, which restrict all kinds of smoking when on board Pakistan registered aircraft,” the CAA director of flight standards said.

The tests will be conducted on all flights both national and international by the flight surgeons and medical officers.

Corrective measures

Violators could face fines and suspensions while disciplinary action would be taken against those who do not report such incidents.

The directives are seen as some of the corrective measures taken by aviation authority as Pakistan’s national carrier has been embroiled in controversy after the case of dubious licences of pilots.

Pakistan’s flight rules demand a 12-hour period between drinking and flying.