Air India mulls strict fitness compliance rule for cabin crew; weight violations may cost pay
Air India is reportedly planning to introduce a health and fitness compliance rule for cabin crew, under which staff found to be underweight, overweight or obese could face consequences such as de-employment and potential loss of salary.
Fitness assessment will be based on cabin crew members’ Body Mass Index (BMI), which is classed as ‘normal’ between 18-24.9 and is considered the ‘desired range’ by the airline.
The initiative, which forms part of the carrier’s ‘Cabin Crew Health and Fitness Compliance Policy’, will come into effect from May 1, 2026, news agency PTI reported.
Purpose of the initiative
The carrier confirmed the reports, saying, “We have introduced a policy that promotes awareness of healthy lifestyles and provides guidance on maintaining appropriate fitness levels.”
“It aims to support crew members to maintain their long-term health while fully preparing for the operational demands of their roles and is aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) BMI classifications,” Air India said in an official statement to Mint.
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Outlining the policy’s processes, the airline said it also includes periodic checks and guidance while ensuring employee welfare.
“Air India has programs on nutrition, healthy living, mental health, fatigue management and exercise to help cabin crew members manage their health in the best possible way,” he said.
The carrier also emphasized that fitness is inherently linked to safety and performance. “Ensuring cabin crew have the physical capacity to deal with critical situations on board is a key priority for the airline.”
BMI criteria for crew – explained
A BMI reading of less than 18 would be considered ‘underweight’ but may be acceptable subject to medical assessment and confirmation of functional assessment.
According to the policy accessed by the news agency, a BMI value of less than 18 will be classed as ‘underweight’, but may still be considered acceptable if the cabin crew member undergoes a medical assessment and functional assessment.
Meanwhile, a BMI value in the range of 25-29.9 will be classed as “overweight” and considered acceptable provided the cabin crew member passes the required functional assessment.
However, a BMI reading of 30 or higher would be classed as ‘obese’ and would not fall within the acceptable range under the policy.
Consequences of timeout
Those who fail to meet BMI criteria will face certain consequences. If a cabin crew member is found to be ‘underweight’ or ‘overweight’, their roster will be canceled and they will be required to undergo a mandatory functional assessment.
The policy said that if the member does not pass the evaluation, he or she will suffer a loss of wages until approval is received.
Meanwhile, immediate action for cabin crew members found to be ‘obese’ will include deletion of posts and loss of pay. Such people will need to reach the acceptable BMI within a certain number of days.
According to the report, loss-making Air India, which was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022, will take corrective measures against obese cabin crew members for failure to meet BMI parameters.
(with agency input)
