ISLAMABAD: An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver InternationalAirport in Canada on December 23, 2025, just before operating a long-haulflight to Delhi via Vienna, after authorities raised serious concerns abouthis fitness for duty due to suspected alcohol consumption. The incident,reported widely by Indian media outlets, unfolded when a staff member atthe airport’s duty-free store noticed suspicious behavior involving thepilot during shopping, prompting an alert to Canadian officials. This ledto immediate intervention, a breathalyzer test that the pilot reportedlyfailed, and his subsequent removal from the cockpit, causing a significantdelay to flight AI186. The episode has reignited discussions on strictpre-flight alcohol regulations in international aviation.
The event occurred amid the festive season, days before Christmas, when theBoeing 777-300ER aircraft was preparing for departure on theultra-long-haul route requiring four pilots under fatigue managementprotocols. According to multiple reports, the duty-free staff eitherobserved the pilot sipping from a promotional wine sample or detected astrong smell of alcohol while he was purchasing items. Canadian authoritiesswiftly reviewed CCTV footage to confirm the individual’s identity as amember of the operating crew and conducted further checks, including abreathalyzer examination. The pilot was detained briefly for inquiry,underscoring the vigilance maintained at major Canadian airports inenforcing aviation safety standards.
Air India issued an official statement confirming the delay resulted fromthe offloading of one cockpit crew member following concerns raised bylocal authorities regarding fitness for duty. The airline emphasized itszero-tolerance policy toward any violations of rules and regulations,expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. An alternatepilot was promptly arranged in line with established safety protocols, andthe flight eventually departed after a delay of approximately two hours.The airline also stated full cooperation with Canadian authorities andongoing internal processes to address the matter.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has been informedand is conducting an independent probe into the incident, focusing oncompliance with fitness-for-duty guidelines. Under Indian aviation norms,crew members are prohibited from consuming alcohol within a specifiedperiod before operating flights, with random breathalyzer tests sometimesconducted at international stations. This case highlights the challengespilots face, as even non-alcoholic products or incidental exposure cansometimes affect test results, though reports indicate clear evidence ofalcohol in this instance. The pilot has been grounded pending thecompletion of investigations.
Such incidents, though rare, carry severe consequences, including potentiallicense suspension, termination, or legal action, as they directly impactpassenger safety on long-haul routes. The Vancouver-Delhi service, with itsstop in Vienna, serves as a critical link between North America, Europe,and South Asia, making adherence to global standards essential. Aviationexperts note that Canadian enforcement at airports like Vancouver remainsstringent, especially for international carriers, to prevent risksassociated with impaired crew performance.
This development comes at a time when Air India continues its fleetmodernization and service expansion efforts post-privatization. The airlinehas reiterated that safety remains its top priority and is treating thematter sternly. Industry observers point out that while pre-flight alcoholtests are more routine on domestic sectors in India due to onboardrestrictions, international operations rely on arrival checks and randomscreenings to ensure compliance.
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The episode serves as a reminder of the high stakes in commercial aviation,where even minor lapses can lead to operational disruptions and regulatoryscrutiny. Passengers on the affected flight experienced delays but reachedtheir destination safely after crew substitution.
Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/smelling-of-liquor-ai-pilot-detained-at-vancouver-airport-on-xmas-eve-before-operating-delhi-flight/articleshow/126281228.cms
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