Air India pilot detained in Vancouver over alcohol smell, Delhi-bound flight delayed

New Delhi: An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver airport in Canada last week after authorities flagged concerns over his fitness to operate a flight, reportedly after he smelled of alcohol shortly before departure. The incident led to a delay of the Delhi-bound flight.

The episode occurred on December 23, just days ahead of Christmas. According to NDTV reports, a staff member at an airport duty-free store alerted Canadian authorities after allegedly seeing the pilot consume alcohol or noticing the smell while he was purchasing it. The pilot was later subjected to a breathalyser test, which he reportedly failed, following which he was detained.

In an official statement, Air India said the pilot was offloaded after Canadian authorities raised concerns about his fitness for duty.

“Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23, 2025, faced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was removed prior to departure. Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty, after which the crew member was taken for further inquiry. As per safety protocols, an alternate pilot was arranged to operate the flight, resulting in the delay,” the airline said.

The airline added that it regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers and was cooperating fully with local authorities. The pilot has been taken off flying duties pending the outcome of the inquiry. Air India reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward violations of aviation rules, stating that any confirmed breach would invite strict disciplinary action. “Safety remains Air India’s highest priority at all times,” the statement said.

Separately, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued a show-cause notice to an Air India cockpit crew for operating multiple flights between Delhi and Tokyo despite being aware of serious compliance lapses. The regulator has asked the pilots to respond within two weeks.