In a serious safety breach, an Air India pilot was arrested at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on December 23, 2025, after being found unfit for duty due to alcohol consumption. The incident caused a major disruption, delaying the airline's scheduled daily flight to Delhi by several hours.
Pilot Offloaded After Positive Breathalyser Tests
The incident unfolded when Richmond Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to a "report of concern" regarding an airline crew member. The pilot was in the process of preparing for Air India flight AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi. Following the alert, the pilot was advised to leave the aircraft. The RCMP conducted two breathalyser tests, both of which confirmed the pilot was under the influence and unfit for duty.
Sources indicate that the pilot, who had a layover in Vienna, was reportedly seen purchasing alcohol at the Vancouver Duty Free before the flight. Authorities utilized CCTV footage to trace him to the Air India aircraft.
Transport Canada Issues Stern Warning to Air India
Canada's aviation regulator, Transport Canada, reacted swiftly. In a letter dated December 24, 2025, it informed Air India that the incident constituted a clear violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations. The regulations strictly prohibit pilots or crew members from performing their duties within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while impaired.
The agency explicitly warned that failure to comply with these rules could lead to the suspension or cancellation of Air India's flight authorisations in Canada. It also stated that airlines are prohibited from assigning crew members who are unfit for duty, with non-compliance risking judicial or other penalties.
Transport Canada's letter pointed out that the event indicated a contravention by both the operator (Air India) and the crew member, breaching conditions outlined in Air India's Foreign Air Operator Certificate. The regulator has demanded that Air India conduct a full safety management system review and provide details of corrective actions by January 26, 2026.
Airline's Response and Operational Impact
Air India, in an official statement, confirmed that the pilot was "offloaded prior to departure" after Canadian authorities questioned his fitness. The airline asserted it is fully cooperating with the investigation and has immediately relieved the pilot of flying duties.
"Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations," the statement read. It further added that any confirmed violation would attract strict disciplinary action and reiterated that safety is the airline's highest priority.
The flight, AI 186, was eventually operated safely after the delay. Due to the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace following Operation Sindoor, the flight was being operated with two sets of pilots from Vancouver to Vienna, where a separate crew would take over for the onward journey to Delhi.
The RCMP has confirmed that its investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time. This incident highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to safety protocols in international aviation.
