Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident in which one of its pilots reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two breathalyzer tests before a scheduled international flight, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The tests were administered by Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport after the pilot was asked to leave the aircraft. Transport Canada described the case as a “serious matter” in a letter sent to the airline and is expected to pursue enforcement action, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the issue publicly. Transport Canada did not respond to a request for comment outside regular working hours.
Air India confirmed that the Vancouver-to-Delhi flight on December 23 was delayed at the last minute due to the incident, adding that an alternate pilot was assigned to operate the service. The airline said the pilot involved had been removed from flying duties while an internal inquiry was underway.
“Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations,” the carrier said in a statement, adding that any confirmed breach would result in strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.
According to the person familiar with the matter, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to submit its findings from the investigation and outline steps taken to prevent similar incidents in the future by January 26.
The episode comes as India’s aviation sector, and Air India in particular, faces heightened scrutiny following the June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner that killed 260 people. India’s aviation regulator has since flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline, which was government-owned until its sale in 2022.
Air India’s pilots have also been under regulatory pressure. This week, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued warning notices to four Air India pilots, citing “serious safety concerns” related to regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making. The notices, dated December 29 and seen by Reuters, said the pilots had accepted a Boeing 787 aircraft for operation last year despite being aware of repeated technical issues and existing system degradations on the long-haul jet.
