Air India may remove overweight cabin crew from flights, salary may also be cut

News Topical, Digital Desk : Air India has issued a new health and fitness policy for its cabin crew, which will come into effect on May 1, 2026. Under this policy, crew members will be assessed based on their body mass index (BMI).

If a crew member is found to be over the limit, they may be removed from flights, placed on leave without pay, and required to pass a functional fitness test before flying again.

These rules will apply to all cabin crew on permanent and fixed-term contracts. The airline says this step is to improve crew health, ensure their well-being, and maintain their ability to handle in-flight emergencies.

Four categories based on BMI

• Normal range (18 to 24.9): This is considered ideal. Such crews can fly without any additional testing.
• Underweight (less than 18"): Return to duty possible only after passing a medical examination and functional assessment
• Overweight (25 to 29.9): Must pass functional assessment, otherwise duties will be affected
• Obesity (30 or more): Totally unacceptable. Immediate removal from duty and pay cut will apply.

An Air India spokesperson said the policy sensitizes crew members to adopt a healthy lifestyle and prepares them for the demands of their role. It is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) BMI standards. Physical fitness to handle critical situations onboard is our top priority.

Surprise check procedure

Airlines can now conduct weight and BMI checks before or after flights, during training, or at home training academies without notice. Underweight or overweight crew will be removed from duty and required to pass a functional assessment. Failure to do so will result in a pay cut until the test is passed.

Those in the obese category will be immediately removed from duty and subject to a pay cut. Medical tests, including blood sugar and lipid profiles, will be required within 7 days at their own expense. Return will be granted only after their BMI is normal and they pass the test. Previous medical reports will not be valid. Repeated violations will result in warning letters, and the matter may be escalated to HR.

What does functional assessment test?

This test, conducted at Air India's training academy, assesses crew safety, emergency duty, and functional competence. Crews will receive three attempts, with specialized coaching prior to the final attempt.

Air India has previously implemented stricter weight and fitness requirements. A large number of crew members were grounded in 2015. Unions also protested weight checks just before the Tata Group acquisition in 2022. This time, the policy is more clear and systematic.

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