️ Air India is set to roll out a stringent health and fitness compliance policy for its cabin crew members starting May 1, with Body Mass Index (BMI) serving as a key assessment factor. According to the new rules, a BMI range between 18 and 24.9 is categorized as "normal" and considered fully acceptable by the airline.

️ A BMI below 18 is classified as "underweight," while a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is deemed "overweight." Crew members in these two categories will only be allowed to return to active duty after clearing specific medical and functional assessments. Failure to pass these assessments will result in removal from flying rosters and placement on loss of pay.

️ The policy is particularly harsh for those with a BMI over 30, categorized as "obese." Such personnel are considered unacceptable under any circumstances, will be immediately grounded, and face loss of pay. They must achieve an acceptable BMI within a stipulated timeframe to resume duties.

️ Air India, India's flag carrier, was founded in 1932 as Tata Airlines and was nationalized in 1953 before being reacquired by the Tata Group in January 2022. The new policy aims to ensure crew health and safety, but it may impose additional pressure and inconvenience on employees, especially amid rising scrutiny of weight-related issues in the aviation industry.

️ In India, the weight-loss drug market is also seeing increased competition. Following the patent expiry of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, local drugmakers have launched cheaper alternatives. This has fueled broader discussions about weight management, particularly as Air India's strict standards highlight the growing emphasis on physical fitness for cabin crew.

Source: www.dw.com