Air India to Enforce Strict BMI Checks on Cabin Crew Starting May 1

Air India has announced stricter health and fitness norms for its cabin crew, making Body Mass Index (BMI) a key factor in determining flying eligibility under a new compliance policy set to take effect from May 1st. The move is aimed at standardising fitness assessments and ensuring operational safety across its workforce.

Under the “Cabin Crew Health and Fitness Compliance Policy", crew members will undergo BMI checks at multiple stages, including during training, safety procedures, and before and after flights. The airline has defined four BMI categories, with a range between 18 and 24.9 considered normal and fully acceptable for active flying duties.

Those falling below a BMI of 18 will be classified as underweight, while individuals with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 will be considered overweight. Although both categories may still be eligible to work, they will require clearance through additional medical and functional assessments. However, stricter rules apply to those with a BMI of 30 or above, who may face more serious restrictions.

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Non-compliance with the policy could result in de-rostering, grounding, or even loss of pay. Crew members who do not meet the required standards will be removed from active duty and referred to the airline’s training academy for evaluation. They will only be allowed to resume flying after meeting the prescribed health benchmarks, with those failing to do so potentially placed on leave without pay until deemed fit.

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