NEW DELHI, March 22: Air India is set to introduce a Cabin Crew Health and Fitness Compliance Policy from May 1, linking cabin crew eligibility for flight rosters and pay to their Body Mass Index (BMI) and functional fitness assessments. The policy defines a “normal” BMI range of 18–24.9. Crew members outside this range will face evaluations, derostering, or temporary loss of pay depending on their category.
Crew classified as underweight (BMI <18) may continue flying if they pass medical and functional fitness assessments. Overweight crew (BMI 25–29.9) can operate flights only after clearing a functional assessment, with failure resulting in derostering and pay suspension. Obese crew (BMI ≥30) face immediate derostering and loss of pay and must meet the BMI requirement within a stipulated period to resume duties.
The policy applies to both active and trainee cabin crew and aims to encourage awareness of a healthy lifestyle while familiarizing staff with maintaining appropriate weight categories. Air India emphasized that this initial rollout is preparatory, with enhanced fitness standards planned for the future.
The initiative comes amid Air India’s ongoing restructuring following its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022 and the gradual phasing out of legacy staff. Functional assessments, combined with BMI measurements, are designed to ensure crew operational readiness and safety, reflecting the airline’s focus on health, compliance, and workforce modernization. (Agencies)
