The national carrier of India Air India has grounded 22 overweight airhostesses - 22 working for its domestic and 16 for international services respectively, according to the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Speaking in Parliament, the Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel said, “Cabin crews would be asked to reappear for weight check periodically and be assigned to flight duty once they confirmed to the prescribed weight limits.”

Overweight cabin crews are evaluated by a medical board. "Based on its assessment and recommendations, steps are taken as per the terms of employment," said the minister.

He said four incidents of breach of separation occurred at the Delhi airport last year. "We have taken a serious view to it and will ensure that such incidents would not reoccur," the minister added.

Efforts were being made to enhance airport infrastructure in the country, Patel said. He also informed the house about the upcoming greenfield airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad, which are expected to be operational by the end of this month.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) plans to construct three new airports in mortheastern states. Steps are being taken to regulate private flying clubs, he added.

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