Air India Pilot Alcohol Test Failure in Vancouver: Full Details of the Delhi Flight Delay

An Air India pilot scheduled to operate a long‑haul flight from Vancouver to Delhi was detained by Canadian authorities on December 23 after concerns were raised about his “fitness for duty,” leading to a significant delay and triggering investigations by both the airline and India’s aviation regulator.

The incident, which occurred just days before Christmas, has renewed scrutiny of cockpit alcohol‑testing protocols and the responsibilities of international carriers operating in foreign jurisdictions.

According to multiple reports, the pilot was preparing to operate Air India flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi, a service that was scheduled to operate via Vienna.

The situation unfolded when a staff member at the Vancouver International Airport’s duty‑free store alerted authorities after either seeing the pilot consume alcohol being offered as part of holiday promotions or noticing the smell of alcohol while he was purchasing a bottle.

Detained as a result…

Canadian officials subsequently located the pilot and subjected him to a breath analyser test, which he reportedly failed.

He was then detained and removed from duty, preventing him from boarding the Boeing 777 he had been assigned to operate.

CCTV footage was also used to trace the pilot back to the aircraft, according to reports.

Air India later confirmed that the delay was caused after authorities expressed doubts about the pilot’s condition.

In its official statement, the airline said the delay occurred after one of the cockpit crew members was detained when Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding his “fitness for duty”.

The airline added that the pilot had been taken off flying duties pending an internal inquiry and that the matter had been reported to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The incident caused a delay of nearly two hours for passengers on the Vancouver–Delhi service, who were left waiting while Air India arranged a replacement pilot.

The airline has not disclosed the identity of the detained pilot, nor has it commented on whether he remains in Canada or has returned to India as part of the ongoing investigation.

A Serious Breach of Protocol

Photo Credit: BriYYZ via Wikimedia Commons.

Alcohol‑related violations are treated with zero tolerance in commercial aviation, particularly for long‑haul international flights.

Regulations in India and Canada are stringent: pilots are prohibited from consuming alcohol within a specified period before reporting for duty, and random breathalyser tests are standard practice.

In this case, the alert did not originate from routine airline testing but from an airport retail employee who reportedly observed behaviour that raised concerns.

According to reports, the staffer either saw the pilot sampling wine or noticed the smell of alcohol while he was purchasing a bottle.

The employee’s report prompted immediate intervention by Canadian authorities.

Air India has stated that it maintains strict compliance with all safety regulations and that it will fully cooperate with the investigation.

The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, noting that the pilot was removed from duty as soon as concerns were raised.

Regulatory Response Following This Incident on the Air India Vancouver-Delhi Flight…

The DGCA, India’s aviation regulator, has taken a “stern view” of the incident, according to reports, and has launched its own inquiry into the pilot’s conduct.

Under DGCA rules, any pilot who fails an alcohol test faces immediate suspension, with penalties escalating for repeat offences.

While the DGCA has not yet issued a public statement detailing the next steps, the regulator typically requires airlines to submit detailed reports following such incidents, including crew rosters, duty schedules, and internal test results.

Passenger Impact and Operational Disruption

Passengers on flight AI186 experienced a delay of approximately two hours while Air India arranged for a replacement pilot.

Although the airline has not disclosed the exact timeline, reports indicate that the aircraft eventually departed after the detained pilot was formally taken off duty and another crew member was assigned to operate the flight.

For long‑haul operations, especially those involving multiple sectors such as Vancouver–Vienna–Delhi, crew availability is tightly regulated.

A last‑minute removal of a pilot can cause significant operational challenges, particularly during peak holiday travel periods.

Broader Implications

This incident comes at a time when Air India is undergoing a major transformation under the Tata Group, which has been working to modernise the airline’s fleet, improve service standards, and strengthen operational reliability.

Events such as this risk undermining those efforts, particularly in international markets where regulatory scrutiny is high.

The case also highlights the importance of cross‑border cooperation in aviation safety.

Because the incident occurred in Canada, local authorities had jurisdiction to detain the pilot and conduct testing. Air India, meanwhile, must now navigate both Canadian legal processes and Indian regulatory requirements.

Air India Official Position Following The Incident on the Vancouver-Delhi Flight…

Photo Credit: Chris Lofting via Wikimedia Commons.

In its statement, Air India emphasised that the pilot was detained only after Canadian authorities raised concerns about his “fitness for duty” and that the airline acted promptly to ensure passenger safety and operational continuity.

The airline has not commented further on the specifics of the breathalyser results or the pilot’s current status.

The full statement reads:

“Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on 23 December 2025 experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure.”

“Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry.”

“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.”

“The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of the enquiry. 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. Safety remains Air India’s highest priority at all times”.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the uncompromising standards expected of commercial airline pilots.

With both Canadian authorities and the DGCA examining the case, Air India will be under pressure to demonstrate that its internal controls are robust and that such breaches are dealt with swiftly and transparently.

Continue to follow The Aviation Hub for more analysis and insight!