Aviation regulator DGCA on Sunday said it was suspending breath-analyser tests, which is done to detect alcohol, for all aviation personnel, including pilots, hours after an Air India union had requested it to do so citing that these tests could spread coronavirus.
The decision comes after SpiceJet said one of its pilots who did not fly any international flight in March had tested positive for the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Due to the "extraordinary" circumstances over COVID-19, and directions issued by high courts in Delhi and Kerala, the DGCA said in an order that breath-analyser tests for "all aviation personnel" was temporarily suspended "at all airports till further orders".
PTI