Air India Pilot Detained in Vancouver After Failing Alcohol Test
An Air India pilot scheduled to operate a long-haul flight from Vancouver to Delhi was detained by Canadian authorities on Christmas Eve after failing a breath analyser test, triggering a last-minute crew change and a brief delay to the flight.
The incident occurred on Dec. 23, 2025, at Vancouver International Airport, where the pilot was preparing to operate Air India flight 186 to Delhi via Vienna using a Boeing 777. According to sources familiar with the matter, a staff member at a duty-free store either observed the pilot inadvertently sipping wine being offered during the festive period or noticed the smell of alcohol while he was purchasing a bottle. The staffer reported the concern to Canadian authorities.
Officials conducted a breath analyser test on the pilot, which he reportedly failed. He was subsequently detained for further inquiry and removed from flight duty. CCTV footage was used to identify and trace the pilot, who had already boarded the aircraft.
Air India was able to quickly arrange a replacement cockpit crew member, allowing the ultra-long-haul flight—typically operated by four pilots in two rotating crews—to depart with a delay of approximately two hours. The aircraft continued to Vienna as planned, where a different set of pilots took over the flight to Delhi.
In a statement, Air India confirmed the incident, saying: “AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi on Dec. 23, 2025, experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure. Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry. In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight.”
The airline added that the pilot has been taken off flying duties pending an investigation, and the matter has been reported to India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Air India emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward violations of safety regulations and said any confirmed breach would result in strict disciplinary action.
Aviation rules generally require breath analyser tests for pilots upon arrival on international flights, rather than before departure, as alcohol is available on board. Domestic flights in India, by contrast, mandate pre-flight testing. While not required, Air India has voluntarily implemented random pre-flight breath analyser checks at international stations, sometimes deploying company doctors to conduct tests before return sectors.
Pilots say the rules are taken extremely seriously. Many avoid alcohol-containing aftershaves, perfumes, mouthwashes, and even certain medicines before flights, as repeated breath analyser failures can result in the loss of a flying license. The case has nonetheless surprised many in the pilot community, highlighting the strict standards governing fitness for duty in commercial aviation.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com