India's national airline, Air India, has sparked controversy by announcing plans to adjust the work schedules and salaries of cabin crew based on their Body Mass Index (BMI).

According to foreign media outlets such as the New York Post on March 31 (local time), Air India will begin measuring the BMI of its flight attendants starting May 1. The airline has specified a desirable BMI range of 18 to 24.9 and has announced strict enforcement for employees who fall outside this range.

Air India Undergoing Restructuring
BMI of Affiliated Crew Members to Be Investigated
Enforcement Announced for Those Outside the 18-24.9 Range

Those Under 18 Classified as 'Underweight' Must Pass Medical Examination
Excluded from Flight Roster Until Results Are Available
High Possibility of Not Receiving Pay

Those Over 30 Classified as 'Obese' Will Be Immediately Excluded from Duty
Pay Reduction Measures to Follow

A 30-Day Grace Period Will Be Granted
Continuous Violation of Allowed Range
May Result in Warning or Disciplinary Action Image generated by ChatGPT

Under this policy, crew members with a BMI under 18 will be classified as underweight and must pass a medical examination. They will be excluded from the flight roster until the examination results are available, and there is a high possibility that they will not receive their salary during this process. However, if they pass the medical evaluation, they will be allowed to resume flying duties.

Additionally, crew members with a BMI of 30 or higher will be considered 'obese,' immediately removed from duty, and will also face salary reduction measures. The airline stated, "The purpose of this initial implementation is to raise awareness about maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and to encourage crew members to maintain an appropriate weight." Air India added, "The current policy is a preparatory measure ahead of the introduction of a new policy that will include stricter fitness standards."

Employees who do not meet the appropriate BMI criteria will be given a 30-day grace period to submit a compliant BMI. However, if they continue to record values outside the permissible range after this period, they may receive a warning or face disciplinary action.

The new policy will apply equally to current crew members and trainees. This measure comes as part of Air India's ongoing restructuring process following its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022. Over the past four years, the airline has significantly reduced its existing workforce.