Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident in which a pilot reportedly reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two breathalyser tests at Vancouver International Airport.
The pilot was asked to leave the aircraft, causing a last-minute delay for the December 23 flight from Vancouver to Delhi. Transport Canada described the matter as “serious” in a letter to Air India and indicated that enforcement action could follow depending on the investigation’s findings.
Air India confirmed the flight delay and said an alternate pilot operated the journey. “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,” the airline stated. The company added that any confirmed violation would result in strict disciplinary action according to company policy.
Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide the investigation findings and outline steps taken to prevent future incidents by January 26, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation sector, following the June 12 Boeing Dreamliner crash that killed 260 people. India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has previously flagged multiple safety lapses at Air India, now owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.
Recently, DGCA issued warning notices to four Air India pilots citing “serious safety concerns” regarding regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making. The notices highlighted incidents where pilots accepted aircraft for operation despite prior knowledge of repeated system issues.
The December 23 incident underscores ongoing safety oversight challenges in the Indian aviation sector, particularly for Air India, and highlights international attention on regulatory compliance, pilot conduct, and flight safety standards. Authorities in Canada and India continue to monitor the situation closely as the investigation proceeds.
