Air India Pilot Landed In Canada Drunk, Failed Smell Tests

2nd January 2026 at 1:07 PM

1 minute read

Canadian authorities have accused an Air India captain of reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport, triggering a safety probe, possible enforcement action.

Toronto : Canadian authorities have accused an Air India captain of reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport, triggering a safety probe, possible enforcement action. According to a formal communication sent to Air India by Transport Canada’s Foreign Operations Department, the pilot was found unfit for duty on December 23, 2025, after two breathalyser tests confirmed the presence of alcohol in his system.

The captain was scheduled to operate Air India flight AI186 from Vancouver to Vienna on the same day. The letter says the Royal Canadian Mounted Police intervened after concerns were raised about the pilot’s fitness. “Two breathalyzer tests conducted by the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport confirmed this, after he was advised to leave the aircraft,” the communication reads.

The letter says the episode points to a contravention of Canadian Aviation Regulations 602.02 by both the operator and the crew member, and Regulation 602.03 by the crew member. It also cites a violation of condition (g) under Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation. It is likely that enforcement action will be pursued by the RCMP, and by TCCA,” the letter adds, signalling potential legal and regulatory consequences.

Transport Canada has asked Air India to carry out a comprehensive internal probe. The carrier has been directed to conduct “a thorough review and investigation under your Safety Management System (SMS)” and to submit details of corrective steps taken to ensure such incidents do not recur. Flight AI186 was delayed at the last minute on December 23 after the cockpit crew member was offloaded before departure.

Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further enquiry. The spokesperson added, In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities.