Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Air India Pilot Fails Breathalyser Test in Vancouver
An Air India pilot was found to have alcohol in his system during a routine check at Vancouver airport.
He failed two breathalyser tests, which means he wasn't allowed to fly the plane.
This caused a delay for the flight to Delhi.
The Canadian authorities are very concerned about this because it's not safe for pilots to fly if they've been drinking.
Air India has taken the pilot off duty and is investigating what happened.
They have to report back to the authorities by late January.
The airline says they take this very seriously and will punish the pilot if the rules were broken.
An Air India pilot failed two breathalyser tests at Vancouver International Airport on December 23, 2025.
The pilot was deemed unfit for duty, leading to the delay of Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna.
Transport Canada flagged the incident as a serious safety concern and violated Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Air India has launched an investigation, offloaded the pilot, and rostered an alternate pilot for the flight.
The airline must submit a detailed response to Transport Canada by January 26, 2026, and enforcement action is likely.
- Who
- An Air India pilot and Transport Canada authorities
- What
- An Air India pilot failed two breathalyser tests and was deemed unfit for duty
- When
- December 23, 2025
- Where
- Vancouver International Airport, Canada
- Why
- The pilot was under the influence of alcohol, violating Canadian Aviation Regulations and Air India's policies
Transport Canada
Air India
Regulatory Compliance
Transport Canada
Transport Canada emphasizes strict adherence to Canadian Aviation Regulations, which prohibit pilots from flying under the influence of alcohol or within 12 hours of drinking.
Air India
Air India has launched an investigation and is cooperating with authorities, indicating a commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Date of Incident
- December 23, 2025
- Location
- Vancouver International Airport
- Affected Flight
- Flight AI186 (Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna)
- Regulatory Bodies Involved
- Transport Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- Regulations Violated
- Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs 602.02 and 602.03), Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate conditions
- Airline Response
- Launched an investigation, offloaded the pilot, rostered an alternate pilot, cooperating with authorities
- Deadline for Air India's Response
- January 26, 2026
Sources
Canada flags safety concern after Air India pilot fails breathalyser test at Vancouver airport
‘Serious matter’: Canada asks Air India to probe removal of pilot at Vancouver airport after failing alcohol test
Canada Warns AI on Drinking Rules After Pilot's Vancouver Arrest
Air India gets legal warning from Transport Canada after pilot found tipsy before duty — What did it say?
Canada flags Air India, alerts DGCA over pilot issue
