Air India is set to introduce a strict health policy for its cabin crew from May 1, 2026-and it’s already sparking debate.

The new rule links a crew member’s duty status directly to their Body Mass Index (BMI). Those who fall outside the “acceptable” range-whether underweight, overweight, or obese-could be removed from duty. If they fail to clear required fitness checks, they may even face loss of pay until they meet the standards.

As per the policy, a BMI between 18 and 24.9 is considered ideal. While slightly overweight or underweight staff may still be allowed after assessment, those classified as obese could face immediate removal from duty along with salary cuts.

The airline says the move is aimed at promoting fitness and safety. However, experts argue that BMI alone may not reflect actual health, raising concerns about fairness, stress, and overall employee well-being.