Canada's transport regulator has ordered Air India to investigate a serious incident involving a pilot who reported for duty under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport. The pilot failed two breathalyzer tests conducted by Canadian police and was subsequently removed from the aircraft, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Incident Details and Immediate Response

The incident occurred on December 23 during a scheduled flight from Vancouver to Delhi, causing last-minute delays for passengers. Transport Canada has classified this as a "serious matter" in an official letter to Air India, with authorities indicating they are likely to pursue enforcement action.

Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement, explaining that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

Air India's Response and Policy

The airline has taken immediate disciplinary action while maintaining its zero-tolerance stance on safety violations. "The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations," the company stated.

Air India further indicated that pending the investigation outcome, any confirmed violation will result in strict disciplinary action according to company policy. This response demonstrates the airline's attempt to address safety concerns proactively.

Regulatory Requirements and Timeline

Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has formally requested Air India to provide comprehensive findings and preventive measures. The airline must submit its investigation results and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26.

Broader Safety Concerns

This incident compounds existing safety scrutiny facing Air India following the June 12 Boeing Dreamliner crash that killed 260 people. India's aviation regulator has previously flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline, which transitioned from government ownership to private control in 2022.

Additionally, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation recently issued warning notices to four Air India pilots on December 29, citing "serious safety concerns" related to regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making. These pilots allegedly accepted a Boeing 787 aircraft for operation despite prior knowledge of "repeated snags" and "existing systems degradations."

Industry Impact

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in aviation safety oversight and pilot conduct standards. Air India, now owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, faces mounting pressure to demonstrate improved safety protocols and regulatory compliance across its operations.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to Air India for operating multiple flights between Delhi and Tokyo despite being aware of serious safety and compliance lapses. The aviation regulator has given the airline's cockpit crew two weeks to provide an explanation for the violations.

Notice Details and Flight Operations

The notice, issued on December 29, pertains to several operations involving specific Air India flights and aircraft safety compliance issues.

Safety Violations and Compliance Issues

The DGCA has flagged multiple safety concerns related to Air India's operations. The Minimum Equipment List applicable to the aircraft was found to be incompatible, creating potential safety risks during flight operations.

The regulator emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, stating that similar issues had been detected on other sectors in the past. The notice specifically mentions non-compliance with MEL requirements for a flight operated on June 28.

Regulatory Action and Consequences

The aviation watchdog has asked the pilots to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). The DGCA has flagged safety concerns related to aircraft dispatch, MEL compliance, and flight crew decision-making during the operation of flights AI-258 and AI-357.

Pattern of Safety Issues

The regulator's action highlights a concerning pattern of safety lapses at Air India. The DGCA has specifically noted that the airline operated the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner despite repetitive technical snags, raising questions about the carrier's maintenance and safety protocols.

This regulatory intervention underscores the aviation authority's commitment to maintaining strict safety standards and ensuring airlines comply with established operational requirements for passenger safety.