Air India has received a legal warning from Transport Canada, soon after one of its pilots was found drunk and unfit for duty during pre-flight preparations at Vancouver International Airport.
According to a report by The Associated Press, the Canadian government’s transportation agency has warned Air India that its permit to fly could be revoked if it does not comply with alcohol consumption rules.
The incident occurred on December 23 and led to the arrest of the pilot by local authorities.
Here’s what Transport Canada said in its letter.
What did Transport Canada say to Air India?
According to an alert issued by Transport Canada, on December 23, 2025, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was informed that the pilot in question was under the influence of alcohol when he reported for duty for Air India flight AI186. According to a letter dated December 24, he was found unfit for duty by the police.
In the letter, which appeared on social media, he went on to say that RCMP conducted two breath tests at Vancouver International Airport and confirmed the allegations, after which he was asked to leave the plane.
Livemint could not independently verify the authenticity of the letter that was circulating on social media.
“This incident indicates a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARS) 602.02 by the operator and crew member and CAR 602.03 by the crew member, as well as condition (g) of Air India’s Foreign Operator Certificate (FAOC #1946) issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation, an alleged enforcement action (TCCA),” the letter says.
Transport Canada has confirmed that it has formally engaged both Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India to ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken, according to a report by ANI. She also stressed that the authority remains committed to taking immediate and necessary action if any security risks are identified.
The authority has asked Air India to send a reply to it by January 26 stating its finding and the measures it has implemented or taken.
“Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the suspension or cancellation of a Canadian aviation document under the Aviation Act,” it said.
In a statement, Transport Canada reiterated that Canadian aviation regulations strictly prohibit pilots and other crew members from performing duties within 12 hours after consuming or under the influence of alcohol.
Statement by Air India
According to an AP report, a Vancouver airport spokesman said the pilot was preparing for a scheduled daily Air India flight to Delhi, but was delayed for several hours before he could safely depart.
Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 that AI186 on December 23 was due to depart at 15:00 but did not leave YVR until 22:02.
Air India said its flight from Vancouver to Delhi was delayed at the last minute after one of the cockpit crew members was ejected before take-off. The airline said Canadian authorities raised concerns about the pilot’s fitness for duty, after which the crew member was transferred for further investigation.
“In accordance with safety protocols, a replacement pilot was deployed to operate the flight, which led to the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities,” an Air India spokesperson said.
