An Air India pilot was removed from operating a Vancouver-Delhi flight after failing a pre-flight alcohol test, prompting concerns from Canadian authorities regarding his fitness for duty.
New Delhi: An Air India pilot was grounded from operating Vancouver-Delhi flight allegedly after he failed a pre-flight alcohol test, reports have said. The matter came to light after Canadian authorities raised the matter over pilot’s “fitness” for duty before the airline.
The matter was first reported by a duty-free store manager at the Vancouver airport. The manager informed authorities that the pilot was purchasing alcohol at the duty-free shop adding that there was something suspicious about his (pilot) conduct as he was allegedly smelling of alcohol.
In a letter written by the Canadian authorities to Air India, they mentioned, “We were advised by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that the pilot reported for duty on Air India flight Al186 on December 23, 2025, while under the influence of alcohol, and unfit for duty. Two breathalyser tests conducted by the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport confirmed this, after he was advised to leave the aircraft.”
“This incident indicates a contravention of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 602.02 by the Operator and the Crew Member, and CARs 602.03 by the Crew Member, as well as condition outlined in Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). It is likely that enforcement action will be pursued by the RCMP, and by TCCA,” the letter mentioned.
The Canadian authorities further asked Air India to conduct a thorough review and investigation under their Safety Management System (SMS) and provide details of corrective actions taken to prevent any such recurrence.
What Air India Said After Pilot Denied From Operating Vancouver-Delhi Flight
Meanwhile, addressing the matter, Air India on Thursday said that one of its pilots was grounded after being stopped from operating a Vancouver-Delhi flight on December 23, following concerns raised by the Canadian authorities over his “fitness” for duty.
PTI quoted Air India saying that the pilot was deplaned just prior to the departure of the airline’s Delhi flight from Vancouver.
“Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23, 2025, experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure,” Air India said in a statement.
Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s “fitness for duty”, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry, the airline stated.
“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities. The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry,” it said.
In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay, Air India said.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with the company policy, the airline said.