Transport Canada has demanded a detailed investigation from Air India after one of its pilots was arrested for being under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport, calling the December 23 incident a "serious matter" and warning of potential enforcement action including flight authorization suspension.

Incident Details and Police Action

The incident occurred on December 23 at Vancouver International Airport ahead of Air India flight AI186, scheduled to operate from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested the pilot following a "report of concern" involving the crew member.

Two breathalyzer tests conducted by the police at the airport confirmed the pilot's unfitness for duty, following which he was removed from the aircraft. The flight experienced significant operational disruption:

Regulatory Response and Investigation Demands

In a letter dated December 24, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen characterized the incident as a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations, which prohibit flight crew from operating aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while under its influence.

Transport Canada has directed Air India to provide findings and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26. The agency warned that non-compliance could result in:

Official Responses from Regulators and Airline

Transport Canada confirmed it will engage with Air India as well as aviation authorities in India to ensure "appropriate follow-up actions" are taken. India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has acknowledged the incident.

Air India issued a comprehensive statement addressing the incident:

Aviation Safety Regulations and Enforcement

Canadian aviation regulations maintain strict standards regarding alcohol consumption by flight crew members, including a 12-hour prohibition period before duty and zero tolerance for crew members under alcohol influence during operations.

The incident highlights the critical importance of international cooperation in maintaining aviation safety standards and crew fitness protocols. While India's DGCA holds primary regulatory oversight of Air India, Transport Canada emphasized its authority to enforce safety standards for all airlines operating within Canadian airspace.

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.