Air India Introduces Controversial Health and Fitness Mandate for Flight Attendants
Air India is implementing a stringent new health and compliance policy targeting flight attendants classified as underweight, overweight, or obese. Effective from May 1, all cabin crew members must maintain a Body Mass Index (BMI) within a designated "desirable" range and meet specific fitness benchmarks. Failure to comply could result in significant pay reductions and potential termination of employment.
Detailed BMI Categories and Consequences
Under the freshly unveiled guidelines, cabin crew are required to achieve a BMI reading between 18.5 and 24.9 to satisfy the airline's "desired range" standard. The policy establishes clear categories with distinct repercussions:
- Underweight (BMI below 18): Classified as underweight, though individuals may still gain clearance if they successfully pass a comprehensive medical evaluation and functional assessment.
- Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): Considered acceptable only upon passing the functional assessment. Those falling into this or the underweight category will be immediately derostered until they clear the assessment.
- Obese (BMI 30 or above): Not accepted by the airline. Staff with this reading face immediate derostering and automatic loss of pay, with a seven-day window to achieve an acceptable BMI.
Individuals who do not pass the required assessment will be suspended without pay until they receive official clearance. The policy applies uniformly to both active cabin crew members and those currently undergoing training.
Airline's Rationale and Industry Context
In its internal communication to employees, Air India stated, "The initial launch aims to promote awareness of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and familiarise crew with the process of maintaining an appropriate weight category." The airline further explained that the current policy serves as a preparatory measure before implementing enhanced fitness standards in the future.
This move forms part of a major internal restructuring following Air India's acquisition by the Tata Group in 2022. Over the past four years, the airline has phased out much of its legacy staff as part of this transformative shake-up.
Air India is not the first carrier to face accusations of penalising staff for weight issues. In 2025, a former Emirates flight attendant alleged that employees were given strict deadlines to lose weight if their uniforms appeared tight, with dismissal threatened for non-compliance. A former management member at Emirates described a "Weight Management Programme" for staff whose uniforms did not fit properly, noting that appearance checks were routine before each flight.
Emirates boss Sir Tim Clark previously addressed similar concerns, denying that "old and ugly" individuals were banned from employment while emphasising the importance of qualities like empathy and ability to work under pressure for sustaining the brand.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Air India for additional comment regarding the new policy's implementation and potential employee feedback.
