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What is the story about?
Canada’s transport regulator, Transport Canada, has asked Air India to conduct a detailed investigation after a pilot operating one of its international flights was found unfit for duty for being under the influence of alcohol, calling the episode a “serious matter” and warning of possible enforcement action.
In a letter dated December 24, 2025, Transport Canada said the incident amounted to a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations, which prohibit flight crew from operating an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while under its influence.
The regulator has directed Air India to carry out a thorough review under its Safety Management System and submit details of corrective actions to prevent any recurrence, cautioning that non-compliance could result in judicial or regulatory penalties, including suspension or cancellation of flight authorisations.
Also read: Transport Canada warns Air India of flight authorisation risk after pilot's Vancouver arrest
The incident occurred on December 23, 2025, at Vancouver International Airport, ahead of Air India flight AI186 scheduled to operate from Vancouver to Delhi.
According to Transport Canada’s letter, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was informed that the pilot had reported for duty under the influence of alcohol. Two breathalyser tests conducted by the RCMP confirmed the pilot was unfit for duty, following which he was advised to leave the aircraft. The flight was delayed while an alternate pilot was arranged.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said it has taken note of the incident and confirmed that the pilot was declared unfit for duty.
In a statement, Air India said flight AI186 experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure following concerns raised by Canadian authorities regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty. The airline said the crew member was taken for further inquiry and an alternate pilot was rostered in accordance with safety protocols.
Air India added that the pilot has been taken off flying duties pending the outcome of the investigation and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of safety and regulatory norms, stating that any confirmed breach would attract strict disciplinary action. The airline said passenger safety remains its highest priority.
In a letter dated December 24, 2025, Transport Canada said the incident amounted to a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations, which prohibit flight crew from operating an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while under its influence.
The regulator has directed Air India to carry out a thorough review under its Safety Management System and submit details of corrective actions to prevent any recurrence, cautioning that non-compliance could result in judicial or regulatory penalties, including suspension or cancellation of flight authorisations.
Also read: Transport Canada warns Air India of flight authorisation risk after pilot's Vancouver arrest
The incident occurred on December 23, 2025, at Vancouver International Airport, ahead of Air India flight AI186 scheduled to operate from Vancouver to Delhi.
According to Transport Canada’s letter, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was informed that the pilot had reported for duty under the influence of alcohol. Two breathalyser tests conducted by the RCMP confirmed the pilot was unfit for duty, following which he was advised to leave the aircraft. The flight was delayed while an alternate pilot was arranged.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said it has taken note of the incident and confirmed that the pilot was declared unfit for duty.
In a statement, Air India said flight AI186 experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure following concerns raised by Canadian authorities regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty. The airline said the crew member was taken for further inquiry and an alternate pilot was rostered in accordance with safety protocols.
Air India added that the pilot has been taken off flying duties pending the outcome of the investigation and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of safety and regulatory norms, stating that any confirmed breach would attract strict disciplinary action. The airline said passenger safety remains its highest priority.
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