Canada’s transport regulator has directed Air India to investigate a serious safety incident involving a pilot. The pilot reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two breathalyser tests at Vancouver International Airport, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Reuters reported that Canadian police conducted tests on the pilot after airport officials asked him to leave the aircraft before departure from Vancouver International Airport Authorities then prevented the pilot from operating the flight.
Transport Canada described the incident as a “serious matter” in a letter to Air India and indicated potential enforcement action. The source requested anonymity due to a lack of public speaking authorisation, while Transport Canada offered no response to media queries outside working hours.
Air India confirmed the incident, noting the December 23 Vancouver-to-Delhi flight faced a last-minute delay. The airline arranged an alternate pilot to operate the service.
Transport Canada has written an official letter to Air India regarding a complaint by the CMP over an Air India captain allegedly involved in a DUI incident before a flight. As per DGCA norms, all operators flying from foreign destinations must conduct pre-flight alcohol tests. https://t.co/tIr1SoaFpv pic.twitter.com/YHIciPbV26
— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) January 1, 2026“The pilot has been removed from flying duties during the inquiry process,” Air India said. “Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations.” The airline added that any confirmed breach would result in strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.
According to the source, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to submit its investigation findings. Furthermore, he instructed them to outline measures to prevent similar incidents by January 26.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation sector following a deadly Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash on June 12 that killed 260 people. Since then, India’s aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at Air India. The airline was government-owned until 2022. The Tata Group now operates it in partnership with Singapore Airlines.
Canada asks Air India to probe incident of pilot reporting for duty under influence of alcohol, source says https://t.co/yYCc3LOpil https://t.co/yYCc3LOpil
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 2, 2026Air India pilots have also faced regulatory scrutiny in recent weeks. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently issued warning notices to four Air India pilots, citing “serious safety concerns” related to regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making.
According to DGCA notices dated December 29, reviewed by Reuters, the pilots accepted a Boeing 787 aircraft for operation last year. They did so despite being aware of recurring technical issues and existing system degradations. Flightradar24 flight data shows that the aircraft served long-haul routes.
