Air India Co-Pilot Deported from SFO Over Marijuana in Baggage

A San Francisco Airport co-pilot for Air India was deported back to India on April 14 after U.S. authorities discovered marijuana in his baggage during routine immigration checks, prompting the airline to launch an internal investigation and report the matter to India's aviation regulator.

The co-pilot had flown from Delhi to San Francisco as part of the operating crew but was traveling as a passenger, a practice known as deadheading, to position himself for the return flight to India. Upon arrival, customs officials inspected his luggage and found the substance, which sources described as possession rather than consumption. U.S. authorities deemed him inadmissible under local laws and barred him from entering the country. Air India arranged for his immediate return on a subsequent flight, and he has since been removed from flight duties.

In a statement released on April 17, an Air India spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying, "One of our crew members travelling from Delhi to San Francisco on 14 April, for positioning to operate a subsequent flight, was found to be inadmissible as per local laws and has been sent back to India." The airline emphasized its commitment to...