An Air India pilot found himself in legal trouble in Canada after authorities detected the smell of alcohol during a mandatory pre-flight check. The incident, which occurred in Vancouver, led to the pilot's detention and caused a significant delay for a flight bound for Delhi.
Incident Details at Vancouver Airport
The event unfolded on a Sunday at Vancouver International Airport. The pilot was scheduled to operate Air India flight AI185, a non-stop service from Vancouver to New Delhi. As part of standard safety protocols, the pilot underwent a routine pre-flight breathalyzer test conducted by Canadian officials.
The test indicated the presence of alcohol, leading to the pilot's immediate detention by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He was held for several hours at the airport before being released. The specific level of alcohol detected has not been publicly disclosed by the authorities.
Flight Disruption and Airline Response
The detention of the pilot had an immediate and substantial impact on flight operations. Air India flight AI185, which was supposed to depart Vancouver, faced a major delay exceeding ten hours. The airline was forced to arrange for a replacement crew to operate the aircraft, causing inconvenience to all passengers on board.
In an official statement, Air India confirmed the incident and outlined the steps taken. "The concerned pilot has been derostered pending an investigation," a spokesperson for the airline stated. The airline emphasized its strict adherence to safety norms and its zero-tolerance policy towards any violations of safety regulations.
Safety Protocols and Potential Consequences
This incident highlights the stringent safety measures in place for aviation globally. Pre-flight alcohol testing for cockpit crew is a standard and non-negotiable safety procedure designed to ensure the absolute fitness of those in command of an aircraft. A violation of these rules is treated with the utmost seriousness.
The pilot now faces a formal inquiry by Air India's management. Depending on the findings, the consequences could range from suspension to termination of employment. Furthermore, aviation regulators in India may take separate disciplinary action, which could impact the pilot's flying license. The incident also serves as a stark reminder to all aviation professionals of the critical importance of adhering to pre-flight sobriety rules, regardless of the country of operation.
