Air India Co-Pilot Sent Back From US After Marijuana Allegation At Airport

An Air India co-pilot was deported from the United States after being found carrying marijuana in his baggage at San Francisco International Airport, in an incident that has drawn attention to the Tata Group-owned airline’s crew conduct standards. The pilot was travelling as “staff on duty” in the passenger cabin on a Delhi–San Francisco flight, positioned to operate a subsequent return service.

According to reports, US authorities allegedly discovered marijuana in the co-pilot’s bag upon arrival. He was immediately deemed “inadmissible” under local regulations and was not permitted to leave the airport. Following the incident, US officials informed Air India, after which the airline arranged for his return to India on the next available flight.

Air India confirmed the development in a statement, saying that one of its crew members travelling for positioning duties on April 14 was found inadmissible under local laws. The airline reiterated its “zero tolerance” policy toward legal violations and said it maintains strict standards of safety, compliance, and professional conduct. It added that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken in accordance with internal policies and that the matter had been reported to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

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The co-pilot was not operating the aircraft at the time of the incident. He was travelling as deadheading crew—assigned to position himself for a future flight duty—meaning the issue relates to conduct and legal compliance rather than an in-flight safety concern. However, the episode has still raised questions about crew discipline and regulatory adherence among international flight staff.

This is not the first conduct-related incident involving Air India crew members in recent times. The airline has faced similar scrutiny in other cases, including disciplinary action involving pilots and crew in overseas jurisdictions. Aviation experts note that such incidents, even when unrelated to active flight operations, can impact an airline’s reputation and regulatory standing.

The development adds to broader operational challenges faced by Air India as it navigates international routes and regulatory environments across multiple countries. Authorities are expected to continue reviewing the matter as the airline proceeds with internal disciplinary action.

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