Air India pilot found intoxicated; arrested at Vancouver airport — what are the drinking rules? – The Times of India

Vancouver Worldwide Airport noticed a serious disruption on December 23, 2025 when an Air India pilot was arrested after being discovered inebriated whereas making ready for a flight to Delhi. Transport Canada has warned the airline that failure to adjust to laws might end in suspension or cancellation of its flight authorisations, reviews CBC Information.Richmond RCMP stated the arrest adopted a “report of concern” involving an airline crew member. A spokesperson for the stated that the pilot had been making ready for Air India’s scheduled day by day flight from Vancouver to Delhi. The flight was delayed for a number of hours however later departed safely. Police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and no additional data might be launched.Transport Canada identified that Canadian aviation laws prohibit pilots or crew members from performing inside 12 hours of ingesting alcohol or whereas beneath its affect. The company stated airways can not assign crew who’re unfit for obligation and warned that non-compliance might result in judicial or different penalties. In response to a letter from Transport Canada to Air India on December 24, two breathalyser checks carried out by RCMP confirmed the pilot was unfit for obligation after he was suggested to go away the plane. “This incident signifies a violation of Canadian Aviation Rules by the operator (AI) and the crew member in addition to circumstances outlined in Air India’s Overseas Air Operator Certificates,” the letter stated.The company requested that Air India conduct a full assessment beneath its security administration system and supply particulars of corrective actions by January 26, 2026.Sources stated the pilot, who had a layover in Vienna, was reportedly shopping for alcohol at Vancouver Responsibility Free earlier than boarding. CCTV footage helped police hint him to the AI flight. Because of the closure of Pakistani airspace after Operation Sindoor, AI 186 was being operated with two units of pilots from Vancouver to Vienna, earlier than a separate crew flew onward to Delhi.Air India confirmed in a press release that the pilot was “offloaded previous to departure” after Canadian authorities questioned his health for obligation. The airline stated it’s totally cooperating with native authorities and has taken the pilot off flying duties through the investigation. It added: “Air India maintains a zero-tolerance coverage in direction of any violation of relevant guidelines and laws. Pending the end result of the investigation, any confirmed violation will appeal to strict disciplinary motion in keeping with firm coverage. Security stays Air India’s highest precedence always.”