From BMI checks to the grounding of cabin crew over weight gain and consequent salary loss, India’s aviation industry runs on rigid fitness norms. A Tehelka SIT report reveals how individual’s fitness, looks and cost-saving intersect, raising uncomfortable questions about how equitable these norms are.
According to media reports, in 2014, for the first time, the country’s aviation regulator issued guidelines to ensure that no overweight or obese person is employed as a flight steward or an air hostess. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), this was necessary since Rule 38B of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, states that cabin crew must remain medically fit to discharge duties during flight operations.
The Economic Times quoted the DGCA as saying, “Taking into consideration the ageing process and the requirement of agility to perform cabin safety duties efficiently, the frequency of medical examinations has been prescribed.”
As per the new regulations reported in the media, cabin crew up to the age of 40 years are required to undergo medical examinations every four years. Those between 40 and 50 years must take the tests every two years, while those above 50 years are required to undergo these annually.
According to media reports, the DGCA’s requirement states that BMI (body mass index) will be calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. For male cabin crew, a BMI of 18–25 is considered normal, while for female crew, 18–22 is considered normal. A BMI of 25–29.9 for male crew is classified as overweight and 30 and above as obese. For female crew, a BMI of 22–27 is considered overweight and 27 and above is considered obese.
Based on medical reports, crew members may be declared unfit, temporarily fit, or permanently unfit. If the BMI is found to be in the overweight category, they will be deemed “Temporarily Unfit” and given three months to reduce weight. If they fail to do so, the “Temporarily Unfit” status will continue for another three months. This process can continue for up to 18 months, after which, if the individual has not reduced weight, they will be declared “Permanently Unfit.”
According to media reports, following these 2014 guidelines issued by the civil aviation watchdog, Air India’s cabin crew immediately criticised the new rules, branding them “crazy” and discriminatory. The Air India cabin crew union stated that the rules were likely to impact at least 600 members in 2014. “The guidelines are arbitrary and discriminatory. They cannot just wake up one morning and impose such rules citing flimsy reasons,” a senior official of the All India Cabin Crew Association told the media in 2014.
In 2018, the DGCA planned to relax weight-height ratio requirements for female cabin crew after strong resistance from airline employee unions. According to media reports, India planned to do away with separate weight-height requirements for air hostesses on one hand, and male and female pilots and male cabin crew on the other. A senior DGCA official described it as a move towards ensuring gender parity and said draft rules had been issued. “We are planning to do away with separate requirements and have one rule for both male and female cabin and cockpit crew,” the official told the media in 2018. He added that this however would not mean allowing obese cabin crew, as fitness remains essential for handling emergencies.
As of 2026, these DGCA guidelines continue to exist despite resistance from crew members across airlines, and overweight or obese individuals are not permitted to serve as cabin crew. Tehelka conducted an investigation into the aviation sector to examine whether these guidelines are being strictly followed or merely exist on paper, and to understand what people connected with the sector think about them—whether they are discriminatory or arbitrary.
During the investigation, Tehelka spoke to several individuals associated with the aviation sector. Some named IndiGo, which employs only women for its cabin crew. According to them, female attendants are generally lighter than their male counterparts, reducing aircraft weight by 30–40 kg per flight and leading to significant fuel savings.
“Female body mass index is generally lower than that of males. That is why IndiGo has eliminated male members from the cabin crew and employs only women. In this way, they have reduced flight weight and are saving a considerable amount of fuel,” said Mahie (name changed), a former air hostess with IndiGo, to a Tehelka reporter.
“I worked for 7–8 years as an air hostess with IndiGo. After my marriage, I gained weight. The airline grounded me and asked me to return only after reducing it. It took me 1–2 months to lose 4–5 kg. Until then, I was grounded and received only my basic salary,” she added.
“BMI is a DGCA rule, not IndiGo’s, and it is followed by all airlines. Once crew members gain weight, they are immediately grounded and can return only after reducing it,” Mahie said.
“Every three months, IndiGo checked our weight, and annually we underwent full medical check-ups. This is a good DGCA policy as it keeps employees fit. It should also be implemented in the police department, where personnel are often overweight,” she added.
“If a crew member is grounded due to being overweight, the airline does not pay a salary. If we make a mistake, we don’t get paid. But if the airline makes a mistake, they still pay us,” said Kajal (name changed), a current air hostess with Air India Express, to a Tehelka reporter.
“It is very tough to maintain overall health while working as cabin crew—your diet, eyesight, weight, everything matters,” said Kajal.
“When I joined Vistara, before moving to Air India Express, my BMI was 17kg, and I was pronounced underweight. I was asked to increase my weight. When I joined Air India Express, my BMI was 18kg, which was within the acceptable range of 18–25 of the Air India Express,” Kajal added.
“IndiGo employs only women for cabin crew because they believe women are more polite in behaviour while handling passengers,” said Rohita, a centre sales manager at Frankfinn Air Hostess Institute in Agra, to a Tehelka undercover reporter, offering a different perspective behind the airline’s decision to employ only women.
“IndiGo’s rules are very strict. They require clear skin with no visible scars or tattoos. Otherwise, it affects appearance. Even in case of road accidents leading to visible marks, crew members can be grounded. That is why we advise trainees to be always remain mindful of this fact and be careful while driving,” she added.
“Spectacles are not allowed for those with poor eyesight. They must wear contact lenses during flights. Glasses can be worn after duty,” Rohita said.
“Hair grooming, skincare, and makeup are all taught to girls preparing to become cabin crew at Frankfinn,” she added.
“I have seen that cabin crew have become extremely health-conscious. Many prefer home-cooked food, even though airlines provide meals, because they fear gaining weight from food outside and being disqualified,” Rohita said.
During the investigation, Tehelka first contacted Mahie, a former IndiGo air hostess. She declined to meet the reporter because of some personal reasons, but agreed to speak over the phone. When asked why IndiGo hires only women for cabin crew roles, she said that women generally weigh less than men, which helps reduce aircraft weight by 30–40 kg per flight and saves fuel.In this chat below, the focus shifts to why one airline prefers only female cabin crew.
Reporter – Ye male ke saath kyun nahi hai (requirement of maintaining weight), why only female?
Mahie – Sir, IndiGo mein to females hi thi, as per my knowledge. Baaki airlines mein males ke saath bhi yahi hai.
Reporter – Why does IndiGo have only females?
Mahie – Sir, females ka BMI male ke comparison mein kam hota hai, isliye unhone ye provision nikala. Unhe laga ki agar males ko eliminate kar dein, to airline ka overall weight kam ho jayega, fuel kam lagega, aur low-cost model maintain karna easy hoga.
Reporter – Baaki airlines mein to males hain?
Mahie – Haan ji, hain.
Reporter – To fuel ki chinta aur airlines ko bhi honi chahiye—why only IndiGo?
Mahie – Isiliye to IndiGo ne growth ki hai. Bahut chhoti-chhoti cheezein follow karte hain, taki fuel save kar sake.
[The dialogue points to cost efficiency shaping hiring decisions in aviation. It emerges that weight, not just skill, influences opportunities. It seems efficiency is driving decisions, but fairness may be taking a back seat. The exchange also brings out how such small operational choices are believed to contribute to the airline’s growth strategy.]
Mahie told Tehelka that she worked as an air hostess with IndiGo for 7–8 years. After her marriage, she gained weight, following which the airline grounded her and asked her to return only after reducing it. She said it took her 1–2 months to lose 4–5 kg. Until then, she remained grounded and received only her basic salary.
Reporter – Aapne 7–8 saal kaam kiya, kabhi aapko weight kam karne ke liye bola gaya?
Mahie – Haan, ye mere saath ek baar hua tha. Wedding ke baad mera BMI badh gaya tha, weight upar chala gaya tha. As per BMI, mujhe 4–5 kg lose karna tha, jo maine 1–2 mahine mein kar liya. Tab tak main ghar par hi thi, as a grounded worker.
Reporter – Salary milti hai us waqt aapko?
Mahie – Basic salary milti hai, par wo dekhte rehte hain ki aap proper protocol follow kar rahe ho. Aisa nahi ki aap bas khate raho aur 3–4 mahine ghar baithe raho. Doctors hote hain, unke saath regular follow-up hota hai.
Reporter – Doctor IndiGo ke hote hain?
Mahie – Haan ji, IndiGo ki medical team contact mein rehti hai hamare saath. Wo discuss karte rehte hain ki weight ke liye aap kya kar rahe ho.
Reporter – To aap kitne mahine ghar rahi?
Mahie – Lagbhag 1.5 months.
Reporter – Ye kab ki baat hai?
Mahie – 2019 ke end ki baat hai.
[The dialogue shows how strictly weight rules are enforced in the aviation sector. It emerges that even short-term weight gain can halt careers. The exchange also highlights regular medical monitoring and follow-ups by the airline during this time.]
Now, Mahie told Tehelka that IndiGo checked her weight every three months and conducted a full medical examination annually. She described this as a good DGCA policy, saying it keeps employees fit. She added that a similar system should be implemented in the police department, where “personnel are often overweight.”
Reporter – Aapko ya kisi aur female ko kabhi frustration nahi hoti ki weight badh jaata hai, kuch kha nahi sakte, wedding ya party mein bhi dhyaan rakhna padta hai?
Mahie – Mujhe kabhi frustration nahi laga, kyunki ye sirf weight ke liye nahi, health ke liye hota hai—body kitni healthy hai, wo matter karta hai.
Reporter – Matlab aap isse DGCA ki healthy policy maanti hain?
Mahie – Haan, ye healthy policy hai. Mujhe lagta hai ye hamare police department mein bhi honi chahiye. Wo itne mote hote hain, kahan kisi ke peeche bhag paayenge.
Mahie (continues) – Hamara har 3 mahine mein weight check hota tha, aur annually medical check-up—blood test, X-rays, ultrasound, sab hota tha.
[In this chat, Mahie is asked whether strict weight rules feel frustrating for crew members. She says she never felt pressured, as she sees it as a health-focused policy rather than just about weight. The dialogue reflects how some crew members accept strict fitness rules as part of the job. So, what seems strict to many may appear necessary to others.]
Below, Mahie told Tehelka that BMI is a DGCA rule, not IndiGo’s, and is followed by all airlines. Once crew members gain weight, they are immediately grounded and allowed to return only after reducing it, she added. The exchange also touches on the perception that such rules apply more to women, which she counters by saying they exist for all crew. It highlights how these norms are standard across the industry.
Reporter- Indigo ka ek rule hai ki crew member ka weight badh jaata hai to wo ghar bitha dete hain?
Mahie-Wo Indigo ki policy nahi ha, wo DGCA ka rule hai, wo BMI ko follow karte hain.
Reporter- Wo to phir sari airlines ka hona chahiye?
Mahie- Saari airlines ka hai.
Reporter – Accha.
Mahie – Wo hai, as per your height there is a certain limit of weight. 24 se zyada BMI nahi ja sakta aapka. 24 se uper aap obese category mein aa jaate ho.
Reporter – Ye male ke saath kyun nahi hai, why only female?
Mahie- Sir, Indigo mein to females hi thi, as per my knowledge. Baki airlines mein males ke sath bhi yahi hai.
[The dialogue makes it clear that BMI rules are industry-wide, not airline-specific. It emerges that perception and reality differ on gender application. The takeaway is simple: uniform rules exist, but their impact may not feel equal.]
After speaking to Mahie, a former IndiGo air hostess, Tehelka contacted Kajal Kaur (name changed), an air hostess with Air India Express. When reached, she was in Bengaluru and was initially reluctant to speak, but later agreed to a phone interview.
When asked about the BMI policy, she said her airline follows DGCA guidelines, similar to IndiGo, and does not allow overweight crew members to fly. She explained that if a crew member gains weight, they are grounded and do not receive salary during that period. “If we make a mistake, the airline cuts our salary. If the airline is at fault, we are paid,” she added. The dialogue below highlights how accountability is placed on employees in such situations.
Reporter- Agar weight increase ki wajah se ground karte hain, to salary dete hain?
Kajal – Agar hamari galti ki wajah se ground karte hain, to salary cut hoti hai. Agar unki wajah se hota hai, to poori milti hai. Par agar hamari galti ho, to kaat lete hain.
Reporter- Ground se matlab aapko ghar bitha dete hain?
Kajal – Haan.. ghar bitha dete hain.
[In this chat, Kajal explains what happens when crew members are grounded due to weight gain. The dialogue shows that grounding comes with financial implications for crew members. It highlights how accountability is placed on employees in such situations.]
In the next interaction, Kajal speaks about the challenge of staying fit as a cabin crew member. She said that it is very tough to maintain overall health while working as cabin crew—everything from diet and eyesight to weight needs constant attention. She revealed that during a medical test, she was found to be underweight and was asked to join only after increasing it to the required level.
Reporter- Apne ko fit rakhna kitna bada challenge hai, being an air hostess?
Kajal- Wo to bahut zaruri hai. Har cheez perfect rakhni padti hai—aapki aankhen, aapka weight, aapka khana-peena. Mera bhi medical hua tha, mera blood bahut kam aaya tha, to mujhe bola gaya pehle weight badhao, phir aana.
[The chat highlights that maintaining fitness is a constant demand in this job. It emerges that even being underweight can affect employment as she shares her own experience of being asked to increase weight after a medical test. It underlines that the rules are strict, and there is little room for deviation.]
In what follows, Kajal explains how BMI limits work in different airlines. She says the acceptable range is usually between 18 and 25, and even a small change can affect eligibility. She said that when she joined Vistara, before moving to Air India Express, she was underweight at 17 (BMI context). She was asked to increase her weight. By the time she joined Air India Express, her BMI was 18, which was within the required range of 18–25. She added that crew members with a BMI above 25 are considered overweight, grounded, and not allowed to fly.
Reporter- Kitna weight hona chahiye?
Kajal – BMI hota hai inka, har company ka alag hota hai.
Reporter – Air India ka kitna hai?
Kajal – Iska tha 18-25 ke beech mein.
Reporter -Aapka kitna tha?
Kajal- Bilkul line par tha —18.
Kajal – Vistara ke time mera 17 tha, to mujhe weight increase karne ke liye bola gaya. Jab Express mein mera 18 tha, to wo limit ke andar tha, isliye unhone kuch nahi bola. 18–25 ka range hota hai—agar upar hoga to bolenge kam karo, aur kam hoga to bolenge badhao.
Reporter – Agar kisi ka 25 se upar ho gaya, to usko ghar bitha dete hain?
Kajal – Haan, ground kar dete hain. Jab tak theek nahi hota, theek karo, phir aao.
Reporter – To kya ye check bhi hota hai?
Kajal – Haan, yearly check-up bhi ho jaate hain.
[Here, Kajal shares her own experience of being underweight earlier and later meeting the required limit. The dialogue shows how strictly BMI ranges are applied in aviation jobs. It emerges that both underweight and overweight conditions are treated seriously. The takeaway is clear: staying within limits is essential, leaving little flexibility for crew members.]
After speaking to a former IndiGo air hostess and a current Air India Express crew member, Tehelka turned to Frankfinn, a leading air hostess training institute with around 70 branches in India and one international centre in Dubai. To complete the picture, the reporter approached its Agra (Uttar Pradesh) branch under the pretext of enrolling his daughter for training.
At the centre, Tehelka met Rohita, who goes by her first name and works as a centre sales manager. She said that IndiGo hires only women for cabin crew roles, as they are considered more polite in behaviour while handling passengers.
In the interaction below, Rohita responds to questions about why one airline largely hires women as cabin crew. She says men are also part of the industry, but some airlines prefer women. According to Rohita, some airline companies’ policy to recruit only girls for the crew is linked to how passengers are handled during flights. She suggests that women are perceived as more polite and better at managing situations calmly.
Reporter- Air hostess sirf girls kyun hoti hain?
Rohita- Boys bhi hotey hain.
Reporter- Indigo mein to girls hain?
Rohita- Indigo ek matra aisi airline hai jismein sirf girls hoti hain, unka hai wo zyadatar girls ko letey hain…
Reporter- Aisa kyun?
Rohita- Aisa isliye ki agar koi instruction de rahe hain, thode se boys kya hota hai rigid bhi ho jatey hain, ego par le letey hain, jaise kisi customer ne kuch bol diya, tab. Girls politetly handle kar sakti hain—bas yehi difference hai.
[Here it becomes clear how hiring choices are often shaped by perception rather than policy. It emerges that behaviour stereotypes play a role in recruitment. Such views may influence decisions, even if they raise questions on fairness.]
In the excerpts below, Rohita told Tehelka that IndiGo’s rules for cabin crew are very strict. She said the airline requires a clean, unmarked appearance, with no visible scars or tattoos on exposed parts of the body, as these are seen to affect overall look. She added that even in cases of road accidents leading to visible marks, crew members can be grounded, which is why she advises trainees to be careful while driving.
Reporter- Agar kisi ne tattoo banwa rakha hai, aur usko industry mein aana hai to pehle remove karna hoga?
Rohita- Haan usey remove karna hoga.
Reporter- Mam, tattoo ka aisa kya hai?
Rohita- Koi rule hoga unka. Govt ka bhi hai, waise abhi kuch airlines ne allow kar diya hai, Indigo ne nahi kiya, uske bahut strict rules hain…
Reporter- Kya rule hai, mam?
Rohita- Yahi ki body par koi scar, nishan, nahi hona chahiye, baki iska face clear ho.
Reporter- Body par nahi hona chaiye ya face par?
Rohita- Body par, haath par, jahan jahan dikhta hai, Indigo ki uniform itni hai na, jo portion dikh raha hai, visible jo bhi hai, uspar nishan nahi hona chahiye, look kharab ho jaata hai.
Reporter- Aur agar kabhi chot lag jaaye, scar aa jaaye, phir?
Rohita- Phir aapko airport par aana padega, mein to sab bacchon ko bolti hoon jo admission letey hain, boys ko bhi, ke drive slow, kyunki ek hi life hai!
Reporter- Matlab agar ek bhi scar aa gaya to aapko crew chodhna padega?
Rohita- Crew chodna padega…
[The dialogue shows how appearance standards go beyond fitness in aviation jobs. It emerges that even small physical marks can impact careers. Obviously, the industry values looks as much as discipline, raising concerns about fairness.]
In the segment below, Rohita explains what happens when cabin crew gain weight. She says they are asked to reduce it and are grounded until they meet the required limit. During this period, they remain off duty. She also points out that weight checks are conducted periodically, not daily.
Reporter- Mam, jin air hostess ka weight gain ho jaata hai, wo kya kartey hain?
Rohita- Haan.. to wo batayenge aapko weight reduce karna hai…
Reporter- To us dauran wo grounded rahenge?
Rohita- Haan, wo ground par rahenge…
Reporter- Ye weights checks daily hota hai?
Rohita- Ye within six months hota hai.
[The chat shows how weight control is strictly enforced in the aviation sector. It emerges that grounding is the immediate response to weight gain. It emerges that maintaining limits is essential, with little room for delay.]
In the exchange below, Rohita told Tehelka that spectacles are not allowed for crew members with poor eyesight, and they are required to wear contact lenses instead. Before boarding a flight, crew must switch to lenses and leave their glasses behind. They can use glasses again after they land, she added. The exchange shows how strict norms influence daily habits.
Reporter- Spects allowed hain mam, crew mein?
Rohita (to the student)- Power hai aapko?
Student- Haan.
Rohita- Kitna hai?
Student- Abhi to one hai.
Rohita- Dekhiye, agar major hota hai aur aap fly karengi, to lenses lagane honge.
Student- Glasses allowed nahi hota?
Rohita- Glasses aap neeche aakar laga sakte hain. Jab bhi aap fly karogey, lens lagaogey, jab ground par rahogey, tab nahi, tab aap apne spects use kar saktey ho.
[From this exchange, it emerges how strict grooming and appearance rules extend to eyesight as well. It indicates that even basic aids like glasses are restricted, highlighting the premium placed on uniformity and presentation in the cabin crew.]
Now, Rohita says that hair styling, skincare, and makeup are all taught to girls preparing to become cabin crew at Frankfinn as part of grooming classes. She adds students are taught how to present themselves professionally. The exchange shows how appearance is carefully shaped even before entering the job.
Rohita – Haan, wo to makeup se cover ho jaata hai. Concealer wagairah sab sikhaya jaata hai. Proper tips di jaati hain—makeup kaise karna hai, hair kaise set karna hai, sab.
Reporter – Sab training Frankfinn dega? Usmein kya-kya aata hai?
Rohita – Jaise makeup, skin care…
[The interaction highlights the importance given to grooming in aviation careers. As Rohita talks about the grooming training given to aspiring cabin crew, it emerges that appearance is treated as a core professional skill.]
Below, Rohita explains the logic behind strict weight checks in aviation. When asked again why IndiGo employs only women as cabin crew, she offered a different explanation from the one given earlier. She said the airline aims to reduce overall aircraft weight to save fuel. According to her, since women generally weigh less than men, they are preferred. As passengers cannot be asked to reduce weight, she added, airlines try to manage it from their own end.
Rohita – Unke liye bhi hai. Wo aapke bag ka weight check karte hain, to insaan ka nahi karenge?
Reporter – Uska reason kya hai?
Rohita – Reason ye hai ki ek flight mein utna hi weight udh sakta hai. Passenger se to nahi keh sakte ki weight kam karke aao. Aap samjhiye, isse fuel bachta hai aur unke flying hours bhi badhte hain. Isliye wo luggage par control rakhte hain.
[This exchange links the weight check measures directly to fuel savings and operational efficiency. It indicates how cost and efficiency shape airline practices.]
Rohita’s account highlights the extent to which DGCA BMI guidelines have made women cabin crew cautious about their health. She revealed that many, including married women, bring home-cooked food to work and avoid outside meals to control their weight. The exchange shows how strict norms influence daily habits.
Rohita – Maine kuch cabin crew girls ko dekha hai, jinko main follow karti hoon. Wo kai baar apna khana bana kar laati hain, jabki unhe wahan meals milte hain.
Rohita (continues) – Lekin healthy rehne ke liye wo khud ghar ka khana lekar aati hain—matlab thoda ghar ka khana khana pasand karti hain. Bahut si married girls jo fly kar rahi hain, wo bhi apna khana bana kar laati hain.
[In the exchange above, Rohita shares how cabin crew manage their diet to stay within prescribed weight limits. It emerges that diet control becomes part of routine. This shows that job demands extend well beyond the workplace.]
After Rohita, Tehelka spoke to Islam, who goes by his first name. A retired man from Agra, his son and daughter work as cabin crew with an airline in Qatar. Speaking about weight management, Islam said his daughter is very particular about her diet and regularly goes to the gym to keep her BMI in check. He added that while such rules help crew members stay alert about their health, they can also feel restrictive, as they have to follow strict diets and often avoid food of their choice.
Himayat Khan, who worked as ground staff with IndiGo in Delhi from 2015 to 2019, told Tehelka that many of his female cabin crew colleagues were extremely cautious about what they ate. They lived in constant fear of weight gain and avoided eating freely, knowing that an increase in BMI could result in being grounded. He described these fitness guidelines in the aviation sector as discriminatory and arbitrary.
Another individual, who requested anonymity, said his wife left her cabin crew job due to pressures of weight management guidelines. He added that he knows several male crew members who also left their jobs because maintaining the required BMI had become too difficult.
DGCA’s strict cabin crew fitness policy has drawn both support and criticism from people connected with the aviation sector. Airlines say they follow these norms to keep aircraft weight in check and reduce fuel burn, even if marginally. For those aspiring to build a career as cabin crew in India, the message is clear: maintaining weight within DGCA limits is not optional. Any deviation—overweight or underweight—can lead to grounding, salary cuts, and loss of flying opportunities.
At the same time, it emerges that these rules extend beyond safety into areas of appearance and cost efficiency, raising concerns over whether operational priorities outweigh fairness
