Vancouver International Airport saw a major disruption on December 23, 2025 when an Air India pilot was arrested after being found under the influence of alcohol while preparing for a flight to Delhi. Transport Canada has warned the airline that failure to comply with regulations could result in suspension or cancellation of its flight authorisations, reports CBC News.Richmond RCMP said the arrest followed a “report of concern” involving an airline crew member. A spokesperson for the said that the pilot had been preparing for Air India’s scheduled daily flight from Vancouver to Delhi. The flight was delayed for several hours but later departed safely. Police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released.Transport Canada pointed out that Canadian aviation regulations prohibit pilots or crew members from acting within 12 hours of drinking alcohol or while under its influence. The agency said airlines cannot assign crew who are unfit for duty and warned that non-compliance could lead to judicial or other penalties. According to a letter from Transport Canada to Air India on December 24, two breathalyser tests conducted by RCMP confirmed the pilot was unfit for duty after he was advised to leave the aircraft. “This incident indicates a contravention of Canadian Aviation Regulations by the operator (AI) and the crew member as well as conditions outlined in Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate,” the letter said.The agency requested that Air India conduct a full review under its safety management system and provide details of corrective actions by January 26, 2026.Sources said the pilot, who had a layover in Vienna, was reportedly buying alcohol at Vancouver Duty Free before boarding. CCTV footage helped police trace him to the AI flight. Due to the closure of Pakistani airspace after Operation Sindoor, AI 186 was being operated with two sets of pilots from Vancouver to Vienna, before a separate crew flew onward to Delhi.Air India confirmed in a statement that the pilot was “offloaded prior to departure” after Canadian authorities questioned his fitness for duty. The airline said it is fully cooperating with local authorities and has taken the pilot off flying duties during the investigation. It added: “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.”
