Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Air India Pilot Detained for Alcohol Violation in Vancouver
An Air India pilot was stopped from flying a plane from Vancouver to Vienna because he smelled like alcohol.
A store worker told the authorities, who tested the pilot and found he had alcohol in his breath.
The pilot was not allowed to fly, and another pilot was found to take his place.
The plane was delayed by about two hours.
Air India said they are sorry for the delay and that the pilot will not fly until they finish checking what happened.
The pilot will face punishment if he broke the rules.
Another group in India is also looking into this and another problem with Air India pilots.
An Air India pilot, Captain Saurabh Kumar, was detained in Vancouver on December 23, 2025, for smelling of alcohol and failing a breath test.
The incident caused a delay for flight AI186 from Vancouver to Vienna.
Air India replaced the pilot and ensured the flight continued with a new crew.
The pilot has been grounded pending an internal investigation and potential disciplinary action.
Transport Canada has directed Air India to submit a detailed response by January 26, 2026, outlining the findings of its investigation and the steps taken to prevent a recurrence.
- Who
- Captain Saurabh Kumar, an Air India pilot, and passengers on flight AI186
- What
- The pilot was detained for failing an alcohol test, causing a flight delay
- When
- December 23, 2025
- Where
- Vancouver International Airport, Canada
- Why
- The pilot smelled of alcohol and failed a breath analyzer test
Air India's Stance
Canadian Authorities' Stance
Pilot's Fitness
Air India's Stance
Air India has grounded the pilot pending an internal investigation and potential disciplinary action, indicating a zero-tolerance policy towards safety violations.
Canadian Authorities' Stance
Canadian authorities raised concerns over the pilot's fitness for duty, leading to his detention and the subsequent breath test.
- Date of Incident
- December 23, 2025
- Flight Number
- AI186
- Route
- Vancouver to Vienna
- Pilot's Name
- Captain Saurabh Kumar
- Pilot's Status
- Grounded pending investigation
- Air India's Policy
- Zero-tolerance towards safety violations
- DGCA Action
- Show-cause notice to another cockpit crew
- Transport Canada's Response
- Directed Air India to submit a detailed response by January 26, 2026
Sources
Air India Pilot Detained In Vancouver Over Alcohol Smell, Flight Delayed
Air India Pilot Grounded in Vancouver Over Alcohol Concerns, Delhi Flight Delayed
Smelling Of Liquor, Air India Pilot Detained In Vancouver Before Boarding; Delhi Flight Delayed
Air India pulls pilot off duty over ‘fitness’ concern before Vancouver-Delhi flight, warns of ‘strict action’ if guilty
Air India Grounds Pilot Over Fitness Concern Before Vancouver–Delhi Flight
‘Authorities raised concerns over pilot’s fitness’: Air India pilot detained at Vancouver over alcohol smell
Air India pilot detained at Vancouver over alcohol smell. What airline said
Canada Seeks Probe After Air India Pilot Found Under Influence of Alcohol Before Duty at Vancouver Airport
Air India grounds pilot after Canada flags fitness issue on Vancouver-Delhi flight
Air India pilot detained in Vancouver over alcohol smell
‘Act by Jan 26’: Canada to AI over ‘tipsy’ pilot; airline seeks breath analyser test details
Canada seeks probe as Air India pilot found under influence of alcohol before duty at Vancouver airport
Air India Pilot Was Drunk Before Duty At Vancouver Airport, Failed Breathalyser Tests Twice
Canada asks Air India to probe incident of pilot reporting for duty under influence of alcohol, source says
Canada asks Air India to probe incident of pilot reporting for duty under influence of alcohol, source says
Canada asks Air India to probe incident of pilot reporting for duty under influence of alcohol, source says
