Last Updated:
However, a BMI of 30 or above will be classified as obese and will not be acceptable under the new guidelines.
The flight reached Delhi via Saudi Arabia airspace when restrictions were imposed. (Photo Credit: X)
Air India is preparing to introduce a new health and fitness compliance policy for its cabin crew that could impact flight rosters and salaries. Under the policy, crew members whose Body Mass Index (BMI) falls outside the prescribed limits may be removed from duty rosters and could face loss of pay.
The new rules will come into force from May 1 and will link crew eligibility to BMI measurements as well as functional fitness assessments.
According to the policy, a BMI between 18 and 24.9 will be considered the “normal” and preferred range.
A BMI below 18 will be categorised as underweight. This may still be considered acceptable, but only if the crew member clears a medical evaluation along with a functional fitness assessment.
Those with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 will fall in the overweight category. Crew in this range may still be allowed to work provided they pass the functional assessment.
However, a BMI of 30 or above will be classified as obese and will not be acceptable under the new guidelines.
Cabin crew found to be underweight or overweight will be taken off the roster and asked to undergo a functional assessment. If they fail to clear the test, they will be placed on loss of pay until they meet the required standards.
For crew members categorised as obese, the rules mandate immediate removal from the roster along with loss of pay. They will have to bring their BMI back within the acceptable range within a set time period.
In a communication sent to staff, the airline said, “The initial launch aims to promote awareness of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and familiarise crew with the process of maintaining an appropriate weight category.”
It further added, “The current policy, in the interim, serves as a preparatory measure before the policy with enhanced fitness standards is implemented.”
The new rules will apply to both currently serving cabin crew and those undergoing training.
The move comes as Air India continues its restructuring process following its takeover by the Tata Group in January 2022. Over the past four years, the airline has also phased out a large portion of its legacy workforce.
Officials said corrective action will be taken against employees who fail to comply with the BMI requirements, particularly those falling in the obese category.
March 22, 2026, 09:11 IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
