Air India Pilot Held at Vancouver Airport Over Drinking Suspicions Before Flight

An Air India pilot was detained by Canadian authorities at Vancouver airport after concerns were raised about his fitness to operate a Delhi-bound flight, leading to a last-minute delay.

The incident occurred on December 23, days before Christmas, and resulted in the pilot being removed from duty while an alternate crew member was arranged to operate the flight.

What happened at Vancouver airport

According to reports, a staff member at the airport's duty-free store alerted authorities after either seeing the pilot consume alcohol or noticing the smell while he was making a purchase. Canadian officials then subjected the pilot to a breath analyser test, which he reportedly failed, following which he was detained for further inquiry.

The pilot was scheduled to operate a flight from Vancouver to Delhi, and the intervention came shortly before boarding, disrupting the departure schedule.

Air India's response and official statement

In its statement, Air India said the action was taken after local authorities questioned the pilot's fitness for duty.

"Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on 23 December 2025 experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure. Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot's fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry. In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay," the airline said.

It added, "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 the enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy. Safety remains Air India's highest priority at all times."

Pilot grounded as enquiry continues

The airline confirmed that the pilot has been taken off flying duties until the enquiry is completed. Officials have indicated that strict action will follow if any breach of rules is established, in line with company policy and aviation safety norms.

Separate DGCA action against Air India crew

In a separate development, India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has issued a show-cause notice to an Air India cockpit crew for operating multiple flights between Delhi and Tokyo despite being aware of serious compliance lapses. The regulator has asked the pilots to submit their explanation within two weeks.