An Air India pilot was arrested and removed from duty at Vancouver International Airport last month after concerns were raised that the crew member may have reported for work under the influence of alcohol, according to a report by Reuters.
Richmond RCMP confirmed that an airline pilot was taken into custody on Dec. 23 following a report involving a crew member preparing for duty at YVR. Police said the incident led to a significant delay, but the flight later departed safely without further complications.
Reuters, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that the incident involved a Boeing 777 scheduled to operate a flight from Vancouver to Delhi. The pilot was allegedly pulled from the flight after two breathalyzer tests indicated they were unfit to fly.
Transport Canada described the incident as a “serious matter” and requested that Air India conduct a full investigation. The federal regulator said it is continuing to work with Air India and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation to ensure appropriate follow-up action is taken, noting that regulatory oversight of the airline ultimately rests with Indian authorities.
YVR confirmed that police responded to a concern involving an Air India crew member ahead of the airline’s daily Vancouver–Delhi service. Airport officials said a replacement pilot was assigned to the flight. While Boeing 777 aircraft are flown by two pilots, a third relief pilot is routinely carried on long-haul routes.
Under Canadian aviation regulations, pilots are prohibited from working within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while impaired by alcohol or drugs to any degree that could compromise aircraft or passenger safety. Violations can result in licence suspension or cancellation, financial penalties, or other legal consequences.
Air India said the pilot involved has been taken off flying duties while the investigation is ongoing. The airline apologized to passengers for the disruption to Flight AI186, which departed approximately seven hours late, according to flight-tracking data.
The airline emphasized that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violations of safety rules and said any confirmed breach would result in strict disciplinary action, adding that safety remains its top priority.
