Air India is set to implement a controversial new policy concerning the weight and health of its cabin crew, due to take effect on 1 May. The airline’s new Cabin Crew Health and Fitness Compliance Policy stipulates that employees whose Body Mass Index (BMI) falls outside an acceptable range could face financial penalties and, in some cases, leave without pay if they fail to meet the set criteria.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/air-india-033026-9507e0730d3646dcba0e5111f2167e94.jpg)
Under this updated policy, the acceptable BMI range for Air India cabin crew is defined as being between 18 and 29.9. Those classified as “underweight” (BMI below 18) or “overweight” (BMI from 25 to 29.9) will still be allowed to work, but only after clearing additional medical evaluations. Employees deemed “obese” (a BMI of 30 or more), however, will have to bring their weight down into the acceptable range. Should they fail to do so within a stipulated period, they face the consequences of being removed from flight duties and potentially placed on unpaid leave.
BMI assessments will occur before and after flights, with any cabin crew member whose readings fall outside the designated range undergoing medical and functional evaluations for a week. If the crew member is cleared to operate once more, they may return to work; however, if they are unable to meet the required standards, they risk entering a phase of leave without pay, as reported by NDTV and The Economic Times.
Following the assessments, the policy allows for a grace period during which crew members can work to reduce their BMI. Those with a BMI of 30 or above will have 30 days to return to what is considered a normal range. Should they fail to achieve compliance within this timeframe, they will receive a warning, followed by a final caution if no improvement is observed after a further 30 days.
The airline has justified this new directive as part of a broader initiative to promote health and fitness among its staff. The airline’s statement indicated that this policy serves as an interim measure that will precede more rigorous fitness standards expected in the future.
In addition to weight checks, Air India will require staff who are found to be obese to undergo further medical examinations, which may include tests for blood sugar and lipid profiles, to assess any underlying health risks.
This decision comes in the wake of significant financial challenges for Air India, having recorded an annual loss of 150 billion rupees (approximately £1.6 billion) for the financial year ending on 31 March. Factors contributing to this staggering loss include airspace closures and fallout from a tragic plane crash in June 2025.
The airline’s new policy has generated substantial debate, with critics arguing that it could lead to unnecessary stress for employees and marginalisation of those who struggle with weight-related issues. It raises questions about the balance between promoting staff health and the potential for perceived discrimination based on physical appearance.
As the deadline approaches, responses from cabin crew members and union representatives are awaited, particularly about their perspectives on how the policy may impact their work lives and well-being. Air India has yet to provide an official statement addressing the concerns raised regarding the implications of this new policy.
As this situation continues to unfold, observers will be watching closely to see how this initiative affects staff morale and operational dynamics within the airline. The implications of health and fitness requirements in the workplace, particularly in the aviation sector, will undoubtedly remain a hot topic.