Canadian aviation authorities have initiated a safety investigation after alleging that an Air India captain reported for duty under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport, raising serious concerns about regulatory compliance and flight safety.
In an official communication sent to Air India, Transport Canada’s Foreign Operations Department stated that the pilot was declared unfit to fly on December 23, 2025, after alcohol was detected in his system. The captain was scheduled to operate Air India flight AI186 from Vancouver to Vienna on that day.
According to media reports, the communication revealed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stepped in after doubts were raised about the pilot’s fitness to operate the aircraft. According to the letter, the captain was asked to leave the aircraft, following which two breathalyser tests conducted by the RCMP confirmed the presence of alcohol.
Media reports said that the Canadian authorities have indicated that the incident may involve multiple breaches of aviation norms. The letter points to a possible violation of Canadian Aviation Regulation 602.02 by both the airline and the crew member, as well as Regulation 602.03 by the pilot. It also flags a breach of condition (g) of Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation.
The communication further noted that enforcement action is likely to be pursued by both the RCMP and Transport Canada Civil Aviation, suggesting potential legal and regulatory repercussions.
Transport Canada has directed Air India to conduct an in-depth internal investigation under its Safety Management System. The airline has been asked to review the incident thoroughly and submit details of corrective and preventive measures aimed at avoiding any recurrence. The deadline for Air India’s response has been set for January 26, 2026.
The incident led to a last-minute delay of flight AI186 on December 23 after the pilot was removed from duty shortly before departure. Following concerns flagged by Canadian authorities, the crew member was taken away for further questioning. An alternate pilot was arranged to operate the flight, resulting in the delay.
Confirming the development, an Air India spokesperson said that the Vancouver-to-Delhi service experienced a delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure due to fitness-related concerns raised by local authorities. According to media reports, the airline said it followed established safety protocols by rostering a replacement pilot and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers.
The spokesperson added that Air India is fully cooperating with Canadian authorities and that the pilot has been withdrawn from flying duties during the ongoing enquiry. The airline also stated that any confirmed violation would invite strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.
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