NEW DELHI: Pilots, cabin crew and other aviation personnel have been temporarily exempted from breath analyser (BA) tests, in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Sunday said this test is being temporarily suspended at all airports till further notice.
The move came after a SpiceJet pilot tested positive for corona on Saturday, following which Air India pilots sought relaxation from this test due to fears that the apparatus used for the same could spread the infection. Pilots of other Indian carriers also backed this demand.
“.. due to the extraordinary circumstances in view of the outbreak of COVID-19 and also in view of the directions issued by High Court of Delhi and High Court of Kerala (for air traffic controllers), the conduct of breath analyser test in respect of all aviation personnel as required under subject Civil Aviation Requirements in force is temporarily suspended at all airports till further orders,” a DGCA order issued by Maneesh Kumar, deputy DG, Sunday said.
