Air India pilot detained at Canada’s airport for allegedly being drunk
He was reportedly asked to take a breath analyser test, which he failed and was taken off from the flight on December 23,2025 at the Vancouver airport in Canada.
New Delhi: An Air India flight pilot was detained shortly before he was scheduled to board the flight and expected to fly to Delhi via Vienna at the Vancouver airport in Canada for failing the breath analyser test on December 23, 2025.
The Delhi via Vienna flight he was expected to operate was delayed and triggered probes by the airline and aviation regulator for the same cause.
According to the reports, A duty-free store staff member of the Canadian airport alerted the Canadian authorities about noticing the pilot drinking at the airport due to which the pilot was detained later.
Air India stated that the pilot was detained after the Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding his “fitness for duty”.
Despite the last-minute incident, Air India managed to arrange a substitute pilot in accordance with safety protocols and to minimise passenger disruption. The flight was delayed for about 2 hours or more.
The aircraft landed at Vienna, another set of crew took over operations for the onward leg to Delhi.
The Vancouver–Delhi flight, routed via Vienna, is an ultra-long-haul service that requires four pilots operating in two rotating sets of captain and co-pilot in line with duty-time regulations.
As per the reports, the pilot was flown back to Delhi a couple of days later and has been taken off flying duties pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Matter has reportedly been independently examined by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Air India also reportedly said “It follows a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of rules and regulations. The pilot has been taken off duty during the enquiry, and any confirmed violation will be treated with strict actions in line with company policy. It regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and cooperates with the local authorities as the investigation goes on”.
