An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver International Airport just days before Christmas after authorities raised concerns about his fitness to fly a long-haul international route.
The incident happened on December 23, as the pilot was preparing to operate a Delhi-bound flight from Vancouver. According to reports, a staff member at an airport duty-free shop alerted Canadian authorities after noticing the pilot either consuming alcohol or smelling strongly of it while making a purchase.
Authorities were called in and the pilot was subjected to a breathalyzer test, which he reportedly failed. He was then detained for further questioning, leading to a last-minute delay for passengers onboard the flight.
Air India later confirmed the delay, though it stopped short of mentioning alcohol in its official statement.
“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.”
The airline said an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight, allowing it to depart after the delay.
In its statement, Air India emphasized that safety remains its top priority and said the pilot has been taken off flying duties while the investigation is ongoing. The airline also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for any violations of aviation rules and regulations, adding that strict disciplinary action would follow if wrongdoing is confirmed.
The incident comes amid increased scrutiny of flight crew compliance. In a separate case, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), recently 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 pilots involved have been asked to respond within two weeks.
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