NEW DELHI — An Air India pilot was detained by Canadian authorities at Vancouver airport late last month after concerns were raised about his fitness to operate a scheduled flight to Delhi, leading to a last-minute delay, the airline confirmed.
The incident occurred on Dec. 23, just days before Christmas, at Vancouver International Airport, where the pilot was assigned to operate Flight AI186 to Delhi.
According to media reports, airport authorities were alerted by a staff member at a duty-free store who either saw the pilot consuming alcohol or detected the smell of alcohol while he was making a purchase. The pilot was subsequently subjected to a breathalyzer test, which he reportedly failed, and was detained for further questioning.
In a statement, Air India said the pilot was offloaded after Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding his “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,” the airline said. “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.”
Air India said it regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and is fully cooperating with local authorities. The pilot has been taken off flying duties pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The airline reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward violations of safety 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,” the statement said.
Separately, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has issued a show-cause notice to an Air India cockpit crew over a different incident. The regulator is seeking an explanation after the crew allegedly operated multiple flights between Delhi and Tokyo despite being aware of serious compliance lapses. The pilots have been asked to respond within two weeks.