Canada Seeks Air India Probe After Pilot Removed From Vancouver Flight Over Alcohol Concerns – Obnews

Canadian aviation authorities have formally asked Air India to investigate a serious safety incident involving one of its pilots who was removed from a scheduled international flight after being deemed unfit for duty due to alcohol consumption. The request follows an intervention by local authorities at Vancouver International Airportwhere the aircraft was preparing for departure to Delhi.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Canadian police administered two breathalyzer tests to the pilot prior to takeoff, both of which indicated the individual was under the influence of alcohol. Canada’s transport regulator, Transport Canadacategorized the incident as a serious aviation safety issue and has indicated that enforcement action may follow. Officials have requested a detailed response from Air India outlining the findings of its internal investigation and the corrective measures being implemented.

Air India confirmed that the flight experienced a last minute delay on December 23 after Canadian authorities raised concerns about the pilot’s fitness to operate the aircraft. The airline stated that an alternate pilot was assigned and the flight proceeded without further disruption. The affected pilot has since been removed from flying duties while the inquiry remains ongoing, in line with the airline’s stated zero tolerance approach toward safety violations.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 777, a long haul wide body jet capable of carrying more than 300 passengers. Transport Canada has reportedly asked Air India to submit its investigation report and prevention plan by January 26. Canadian aviation regulations prohibit pilots from operating an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol.

The incident adds to growing scrutiny surrounding Air India’s safety culture following a deadly crash in June involving a Boeing Dreamliner that resulted in 260 fatalities. Since then, India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviationhas highlighted multiple compliance and operational lapses at the airline. In recent days, the regulator also issued warning notices to several Air India pilots over concerns related to aircraft acceptance decisions and system reliability.

Air India, now jointly owned by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlineshas said it is cooperating fully with regulators in both Canada and India. Indian authorities are also considering stricter alcohol testing rules for flight crew, including lifetime license revocation after repeated violations, as part of broader efforts to strengthen aviation safety oversight.