An Air India pilot scheduled to operate a long-haul flight from Canada to India was removed from duty in Vancouver after allegedly failing alcohol tests.
According to a person familiar with the incident, Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport conducted two breathalyzer tests on the pilot, both of which indicated he was not fit to fly.
The pilot was taken off the cockpit roster before the aircraft could depart for Delhi on December 23.
The matter has been described as a “serious” safety breach by Transport Canada, which has written to Air India demanding a detailed internal investigation and a report on corrective measures.
The regulator has also signaled it may pursue enforcement action. The letter, signed by Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen, asks the airline to submit its findings and outline steps to prevent similar episodes by January 26, a source reported.
Air India, in a statement, confirmed that the Vancouver–Delhi service faced a last-minute delay after Canadian authorities raised concerns over a pilot’s “fitness for duty.” The carrier said a replacement pilot was arranged to operate the flight and that the captain in question has been grounded pending an inquiry.
“Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any breach of applicable rules and regulations. The pilot has been removed from flying duties while an investigation is underway,” the airline said, adding that any verified violation would lead to “strict disciplinary action” under company policy.
Transport Canada did not immediately comment publicly, but Canadian law is clear: pilots are barred from operating an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol.