Air India Introduces Strict Cabin Crew Fitness Policy With Pay Linked To Compliance

The move underscores Air India’s commitment to maintaining high standards of passenger service and operational efficiency. By linking fitness compliance to pay, the airline aims to ensure cabin crew are physically fit to handle demanding in-flight responsibilities.

Fitness Assessment Framework
The compliance will be based on BMI readings. A BMI below 18 will be considered underweight, while readings above 24.9 will be categorized as overweight or obese. Crew members outside the desired range must undergo medical evaluation and functional assessment before being rostered again.

Impact On Cabin Crew
The policy emphasizes accountability, with lapses potentially leading to derostering and pay cuts. Air India believes this will encourage crew members to adopt healthier lifestyles, aligning with global aviation standards where fitness is integral to safety and service quality.

Key Highlights

• New fitness compliance policy effective 2026
• BMI range of 18–24.9 defined as acceptable
• Underweight, overweight, or obese crew may face derostering
• Loss of pay linked to non-compliance
• Medical evaluation required for exceptions

Sources: The Economic Times, Deccan Herald, Kashmir Vision