An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver International Airport in Canada after authorities raised concerns about his condition shortly before he was due to operate a long-haul flight to Delhi, leading to a delay and an investigation into the incident.
The incident occurred on December 23, just ahead of Christmas, when the pilot was scheduled to command Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna.
Pilot was seen drinking alcohol
According to Times of India, a duty-free shop employee at the airport either saw the pilot drinking alcohol or noticed a strong smell of liquor while he was purchasing it, prompting the staff member to alert Canadian authorities.
After being approached by airport officials, the pilot was subjected to a breathalyser test, which he reportedly failed, leading to his detention for further questioning.
Under standard procedures at the airport, authorities can intervene when there are concerns about a crew member’s fitness for duty, especially where safety may be at risk.
Air India issues statement
In response to the situation, Air India issued a statement confirming that the pilot had been offloaded and taken off flying duties while the matter is investigated.
The airline said that Canadian authorities raised concerns about the pilot’s fitness to operate the flight, necessitating further inquiry and replacement of the crew member.
“The flight experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure, and an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight,” Air India said, adding that safety remains its highest priority.
The statement emphasised the carrier’s zero-tolerance policy for violations of rules and regulations, and noted that strict disciplinary action could follow if confirmed violations are found.
The replacement pilot enabled the long-haul Boeing 777 flight to depart later the same day, though the delay inconvenienced passengers during a busy holiday travel period.
Air India’s move to immediately ground the pilot and launch an investigation reflects broader industry safety standards, which require that crew members be free from impairment prior to flight. The airline has said it is fully cooperating with Canadian authorities as inquiries continue.
