An Air India pilot has been relieved of duty and temporarily suspended after being found in a state of intoxication prior to operating a Zurich-to-Delhi flight.

The incident forced a schedule change for the September 6 flight.

The matter came to light after Swiss aviation authorities notified India's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

According to Air India sources, the pilot's initial breathalyzer test at Zurich Airport returned positive. He was immediately removed from flight duties, subjected to further medical evaluation, and sent back to India as a regular passenger.

The pilot will remain under suspension pending the final medical report and the conclusion of the investigation.

If the allegations are substantiated, strict disciplinary action could be taken against him.

Following several recent incidents involving Air India crew members failing alcohol and drug tests, the DGCA has ordered stricter surveillance and testing protocols for pilots and cabin crew.

Earlier this January, an Air India pilot was removed from duty ahead of a flight bound for India from Vancouver Airport, Canada, after the smell of alcohol was detected.

Additionally, Air India recently terminated the services of another pilot who failed a drug test.

Stricter monitoring of pilot safety regulations and professional conduct has been underway following an Air India aircraft accident in Ahmedabad last June.

Air India stated that it maintains a "zero tolerance" policy regarding safety, security, and regulatory violations.

The airline's flight operations department has issued strict warnings to all pilots against the consumption of alcohol or prohibited substances prior to duty.