“Air India pilot detained for smelling of alcohol on Christmas Eve, action at Vancouver airport before Delhi flight”
New Delhi : Christmas can prove costly for an Air India pilot. On December 23, 2025, the case of a pilot drinking alcohol on a flight from Vancouver to Delhi created a stir. According to reports, a staffer at Vancouver Duty Free noticed the pilot drinking or smelling of alcohol and reported him to Canadian authorities. After this, the pilot’s breath analyzer test was conducted, in which he failed and he was immediately taken into custody.
This flight, which was going from Vancouver to Delhi via Boeing 777, took off with a delay of 2 hours. Air India quickly appointed a second pilot, and a second set of crew to fly the flight to Delhi after landing in Vienna.
Air India statement
Air India said in a statement, “Canadian authorities raised questions about the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which he was taken in for questioning. This resulted in the flight schedule being delayed. We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and are fully cooperating with the local authorities in this matter.”
Air India has acknowledged the seriousness of this matter under its zero-tolerance policy. The pilot has been removed from flying duty and the matter is being investigated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline said that after investigation, if the pilot violates the rules, strict disciplinary action will be taken against him.
Safety and compliance with rules
The incident has sparked debate among pilots, particularly in cases where alcohol has not been consumed, but products such as after shave, mouth wash or perfume may detect alcohol on a breathalyzer. One pilot said, “We don’t use these things a few hours before the flight, so that we don’t fail the BA test.”
flight operator responsibilities
This case again highlights the importance of safety protocols, especially on international flights. Pilots have to ensure that they perform their responsibilities properly while remaining free from alcohol.
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