Canada has informed Air India that one of its pilots was found to be under the influence of alcohol just before operating a flight on December 23, 2025, breaking Canadian law. The airline has been asked to investigate the matter and report back on the action taken by January 26.
Transport Canada sent this notice a day after the pilot failed a breathalyser (BA) test and asked Air India to take “corrective action” under its safety management system “to prevent any such recurrence,” according to a report by The Times of India.
Air India seeks test details, informs DGCA
Taking the issue seriously, Air India has requested details of the BA test from Canada, including the exact level of alcohol, and has informed the DGCA.
A December 24 letter from Transport Canada to Air India states:
“We were advised by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that Captain *** reported for duty on Air India Flight AI 186 on Dec 23, 2025, while under the influence of alcohol, and unfit for duty. Two BA tests conducted by the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport confirmed this after he was advised to leave the aircraft. This incident indicates a contravention of Canadian Aviation Regulations by the operator (AI) and the crew member… as well as conditions outlined in Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC 1946) issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). It is likely that enforcement action will be pursued by the RCMP, and by TCCA.”
One of the rules violated under Air India’s FAOC is that the “foreign air operator shall conduct a safe operation.” The letter further requests:
“In light of this, we request Air India to: conduct a thorough review and investigation under your safety management system and provide details of corrective actions taken to prevent any such recurrence. Please submit your response by Jan 26, 2026, outlining your findings and measures implemented and/or undertaken.”
Air India Flight AI 186, which flies from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna due to the closure of Pakistan airspace after Operation Sindoor, was scheduled to operate with two sets of pilots – each with a captain and co-pilot – from Vancouver to Vienna and then another set from Vienna to Delhi.
Duty-free staff alerted police after smelling alcohol
“This pilot, who had a layover in Vienna, was reportedly buying alcohol from Vancouver Duty Free. The pilot was boarding from Canada and alighting in Austria, both foreign stations where most probably no BA checks would have been conducted. However a staffer at duty free smelt alcohol on his breath and informed police. Using CCTV, the police traced him to the AI flight,” TOI reported, quoting a source as saying.
Air India offloads pilot, cites zero-tolerance policy
In a statement on Wednesday, Air India said, “AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi on Dec 23, 2025 experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure. Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry.”
Adding to it, the airline mentioned that, “Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities. The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy. Safety remains Air India’s highest priority at all times.”
