New Delhi, April18
An Air India pilot traveling as a passenger on a Delhi to San Francisco flight was sent back to India by United States authorities this week after being declared inadmissible under local laws, with sources alleging possession of marijuana.
According to sources, the incident occurred on April 14, when the pilot was on board the flight, preparing to operate a subsequent service. The airline confirmed that the crew member was denied entry into the US and returned to India. “One of our crew members traveling from Delhi to San Francisco on 14 April, for positioning to operate a subsequent flight, was found to be inadmissible as per local laws and has been sent back to India,” an Air India spokesperson said in a statement.
Sources said the co-pilot was allegedly found carrying marijuana. The pilot was traveling in a deadhead capacity, a term used when a crew member flies as a passenger to reach a designated duty location. Following the incident, the pilot has been taken off active duty, sources said. The airline has also initiated an internal investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
The airline said strict disciplinary action will be taken in line with company policies. “Air India maintains zero tolerance towards any violation of the law and upholds the highest standards of safety, compliance, and professional conduct,” the statement said. Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe as the airline reviews the matter.
