Canada’s transport regulator has formally warned Air India over a drunk‑on‑duty incident in Vancouver and said it will work with Indian authorities to ensure the airline faces “appropriate follow‑up actions”, adding pressure on India’s flag carrier after a series of safety questions.
Transport Canada on Saturday confirmed that an Air India pilot scheduled to operate Flight AI186 from Vancouver was removed from the cockpit on December 23, 2025 after failing two breathalyser tests conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at Vancouver International Airport.
In a statement, the regulator said the incident was a “serious matter” and that it “would engage with Air India and Indian aviation authorities to ensure appropriate follow‑up actions are taken,” explicitly pointing to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the primary safety regulator for the airline.
The communication cites violations of Canadian Aviation Regulations that bar pilots and crew from operating within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while under its influence, and notes that airlines must not assign unfit crew to duty.
Transport Canada has also reminded Air India that such breaches can threaten its Foreign Air Operator Certificate, with possible suspension or cancellation of flight authorisations to Canada, as well as fines and other penalties under the Aeronautics Act.
What this means for Air India
According to reports based on the regulator’s letter, Air India has been asked to complete its internal investigation, take corrective measures under its safety‑management system and submit a detailed response by January 26 outlining findings and actions taken.
The airline said that the pilot was taken off flying duty, an alternate pilot operated the delayed flight, and that it maintains a “zero‑tolerance” policy for alcohol violations, promising strict disciplinary action if the offence is confirmed.
This episode comes at the heels of earlier DGCA notices to Air India pilots over operating aircraft with repeated technical snags and broader concerns about the airline’s compliance culture.
