The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a draft regulation that may prohibit pilots and cabin crew from using perfumes and alcohol-containing products before undergoing a breathalyzer test. This draft regulation is aimed at ensuring flight crew members do not register positive results on the breathalyzer test due to the presence of alcohol in such products.

According to the draft proposal, it states, “No crew member shall consume any medicine, formulation, or use any substance such as mouthwash, tooth gel, perfume, or any product containing alcohol which may result in a positive breathalyzer test. Any crew member who is undergoing such medication shall consult the company doctor before undertaking a flying assignment.”

The DGCA emphasized that this is a draft proposal, known as Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), which has been made available for public review and stakeholder comments. The aviation regulator is seeking input and feedback from relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry before finalizing and implementing any such regulations.

In India, airlines and the DGCA maintain strict protocols for conducting breathalyzer tests on flight crew members before every flight operation. These tests are typically conducted under camera surveillance to ensure compliance with alcohol-related regulations and to maintain the highest levels of safety in aviation.