Toronto/New Delhi, Jan 2: Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident in which one of its pilots reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two breathalyzer tests at Vancouver International Airport, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The tests were conducted by Canadian police after the pilot was asked to leave the aircraft shortly before departure, the person said. The individual requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Transport Canada described the incident as a “serious matter” in a letter sent to Air India and is expected to pursue enforcement action, the person added.
Air India confirmed that its Vancouver–Delhi flight on December 23 was delayed at the last minute due to the incident. The airline said an alternate pilot was arranged to operate the flight.
“The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry,” Air India said in a statement. “Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations.”
“Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy,” the airline added.
Transport Canada has asked Air India to submit the findings of its investigation and details of steps taken to prevent similar incidents by January 26. Transport Canada did not respond to an emailed request for comment outside regular working hours.
The incident comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is under close scrutiny following a June 12 crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner that killed 260 people. Since then, India’s aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at Air India.
Air India, owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has also faced regulatory action against its pilots. This week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued warning notices to four Air India pilots over “serious safety concerns” related to regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making.
The DGCA said the pilots accepted a Boeing 787 aircraft for operation last year despite prior knowledge of repeated technical snags and system degradations, according to notices dated December 29.
