Air India Pilot Accused of Reporting for Duty Drunk in Canada, Faces Probe

Canadian aviation authorities have accused an Air India captain of reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport, triggering a serious safety investigation and possible regulatory action. The incident has raised fresh concerns over compliance with international aviation safety norms and crew fitness protocols.

According to a formal communication issued by Transport Canada to Air India, the pilot was found unfit for duty on December 23, 2025. The captain was scheduled to operate Air India flight AI186 from Vancouver to Vienna when concerns were raised about his fitness before departure.

Canadian authorities stated that the issue escalated after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police intervened at the airport. Two breathalyser tests were conducted, both of which confirmed the presence of alcohol in the pilot’s system. The communication noted that the captain was advised to leave the aircraft following the tests, after which law enforcement took over further action.

The incident has been flagged as a potential violation of multiple Canadian Aviation Regulations. Authorities said the case indicates a breach of Regulation 602.02, which prohibits operating or attempting to operate an aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Regulation 602.03, which relates specifically to crew members’ fitness for duty, has also been cited. In addition, Transport Canada pointed to a possible violation of condition (g) under Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate, which governs the airline’s authority to operate flights into and out of Canada.

In its letter, Transport Canada warned that enforcement action may follow. The regulator indicated that both the RCMP and Transport Canada Civil Aviation could pursue legal and administrative proceedings based on the outcome of the investigation. Such action could range from penalties against the individual pilot to broader compliance scrutiny of the airline’s operational systems.

The Canadian regulator has also directed Air India to initiate a comprehensive internal investigation under its Safety Management System. The airline has been asked to examine how the incident occurred, assess whether existing checks failed, and outline corrective measures to prevent a recurrence. Transport Canada has set a deadline of January 26, 2026, for Air India to submit its response and details of remedial steps taken.

Flight AI186 was delayed on December 23 after the pilot was offloaded from duty shortly before departure. Following the intervention by Canadian authorities, an alternate pilot was arranged to operate the flight, resulting in a last-minute delay for passengers.

In an official statement, Air India confirmed the delay and acknowledged the action taken by local authorities. The airline said that concerns were raised about the pilot’s fitness for duty, after which the crew member was removed from the flight and taken for further enquiry. Air India added that the pilot has been taken off flying duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

The airline also stated that it is cooperating fully with Canadian authorities and that any confirmed violation would lead to strict disciplinary action in line with company policy. While no final determination has yet been made, the case has drawn attention to the strict enforcement standards applied by international regulators and the zero-tolerance approach toward alcohol-related safety breaches in aviation.