Canadian aviation authorities have flagged a serious safety lapse involving Air India after a complaint by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police alleged that one of the airline’s pilots was under the influence of alcohol before operating a flight from Vancouver.
The incident relates to Flight AI186, scheduled to fly from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna on December 23, 2025. Air India said the flight was delayed at the last moment after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure.
In a statement issued on Thursday, an Air India spokesperson said Canadian authorities had raised concerns about the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry. “In line with established safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in a delay,” the spokesperson said.
The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and said it was fully cooperating with local authorities. The spokesperson added that the pilot concerned had been taken off flying duties pending the outcome of the inquiry.
“Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Transport Canada wrote to senior Air India officials in a letter dated December 24, stating that two breathalyser tests conducted by the RCMP had confirmed that the pilot was under the influence of alcohol and therefore “unfit for duty”.
According to the letter, accessed by PTI, the incident constitutes a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). Transport Canada said the case involved breaches of CARs 602.02 and 602.03, as well as conditions laid down under Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC). “It is likely that enforcement action will be pursued by the RCMP and by TCCA,” the letter stated, referring to Transport Canada Civil Aviation.
The Canadian aviation regulator has asked Air India to take corrective measures and explain the steps taken following the incident. The airline has been directed to submit a detailed response by January 26, outlining the findings of its internal inquiry and the remedial actions initiated.
