In a serious breach of international aviation safety norms, a senior Air India pilot was found to be under the influence of alcohol just before he was scheduled to operate a long-haul flight from Canada. The incident has triggered a formal investigation by Canadian authorities and put the national carrier under scrutiny for potential violations of foreign operating permits.
Canadian Authorities Issue Stern Communication
The incident occurred on December 23, 2025, at Vancouver International Airport. According to officials, the pilot, a captain, reported for duty to operate Air India flight AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna. Before the flight could depart, the pilot failed a mandatory breathalyser (BA) test conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Transport Canada, the country's civil aviation regulator, formally wrote to Air India on December 24, 2025. The letter stated that two BA tests confirmed the pilot was "under the influence of alcohol, and unfit for duty." The pilot was subsequently advised to leave the aircraft, causing a last-minute delay to the flight.
Violation of Regulations and Potential Enforcement
Transport Canada's communication was unequivocal, stating the incident indicated a contravention of Canadian Aviation Regulations by both the airline and the crew member. It specifically highlighted a breach of conditions in Air India's Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC 1946), which mandates that the "foreign air operator shall conduct a safe operation."
The regulator has asked Air India to investigate the matter and take "corrective action" under its safety management system to prevent a recurrence. It has demanded that the airline inform it of the action taken by January 26, 2026. The letter also warned that enforcement action is likely to be pursued by both the RCMP and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA).
How the Breach Was Detected and Air India's Response
Sources reveal a critical detail: the pilot was boarding in Canada and was scheduled to alight in Vienna, both foreign stations where routine pre-flight alcohol checks might not have been conducted. The breach came to light when a staffer at a Vancouver duty-free store smelled alcohol on the pilot's breath and alerted the police. Authorities then used CCTV footage to trace him to the Air India flight.
Air India, taking a serious view, has sought detailed documentation of the BA test from Canadian authorities, including the precise level of alcohol detected. The airline has also formally informed India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In an initial statement, Air India confirmed the delay was due to a cockpit crew member being offloaded after Canadian authorities raised concerns about fitness for duty.
Aviation rules globally, including in India, mandate a strict "12-hour bottle-to-throttle" rule, prohibiting alcohol consumption for at least 12 hours before flight duty. Senior pilots emphasize that if a crew member is unable to comply, they must refuse the flight on medical grounds to protect their license, career, and most importantly, passenger safety.
This incident gains further significance due to current flight routing challenges. Following Operation Sindoor and the closure of Pakistani airspace, Air India's North America ultra-long-haul flights now require a midway fuelling stop. Flight AI 186 was to be operated by two sets of pilots, with a planned crew change in Vienna.
