An Air India pilot found himself in serious trouble just before Christmas 2025, facing potential career-ending consequences after an incident at Vancouver International Airport. The pilot, scheduled to operate a crucial ultra-long-haul flight to Delhi, was detained by Canadian authorities after failing a breath analyser test.
The Festive Spirit That Grounded a Flight
The incident unfolded on December 23, 2025. The pilot was part of a four-member crew assigned to operate Air India flight AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi, with a scheduled stop in Vienna. The Boeing 777 flight was supposed to depart at 3 PM local time. However, the pre-flight routine was thrown into chaos after a staff member at a Vancouver duty-free store raised an alarm.
Conflicting reports emerged about the exact trigger. Some sources indicate the staffer saw the pilot inadvertently sipping wine being offered as a festive sample. Other sources claim the pilot simply smelled of liquor while purchasing a bottle. Regardless of the precise cause, the vigilant employee reported her concerns to the Canadian authorities.
Detention, Delay, and Swift Replacement
Acting on the report, the authorities located the pilot, administered a breath analyser test, which he failed, and subsequently detained him. This left the flight without a key crew member just before departure. Air India managed to quickly find a replacement pilot, a move that minimized disruption. The flight eventually departed with a delay of approximately two hours.
The aircraft proceeded to Vienna as planned, where a fresh set of crew took over for the final leg to Delhi. The affected pilot was flown back to Delhi a couple of days later to face an internal inquiry.
Air India's Stern Response and Ongoing Probes
Air India has taken a severe view of the matter. In an official statement, the airline confirmed the delay was due to a cockpit crew member being offloaded after Canadian authorities raised concerns about fitness for duty. The airline stated it is fully cooperating with local authorities and has taken the pilot off flying duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
The issue has been reported to India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is also examining the case. Air India emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of rules and warned of strict disciplinary action if a violation is confirmed. The airline reiterated that safety remains its highest priority.
Pilot Protocols and Industry Surprise
The incident has sparked discussion within the pilot community. Typically, pilots operating international flights do not undergo pre-flight breath analyser (BA) tests at the departure point. Instead, tests are conducted upon arrival in India, as alcohol is available on board. This protocol is designed to ensure pilots have not consumed alcohol during the flight. For domestic flights within India, pre-flight BA tests are mandatory.
Interestingly, Air India has independently enforced a policy of conducting random pre-flight BA tests at international stations, often sending its doctors on flights to conduct checks on the crew operating the return leg to India.
Many pilots expressed surprise at the incident, highlighting the extreme caution they typically exercise. A captain explained that pilots avoid not just alcohol but also products like after-shaves, perfumes, and certain mouthwashes hours before a flight due to their alcohol content, which can trigger a false positive. Failing a BA test three times results in the loss of a pilot's flying license, a rule that underscores the seriousness with which the industry treats the issue of alcohol and flight safety.
