Canada orders probe after Air India pilot fails breathalyser test in Vancouver

Guwahati: Canada’s transport regulator has directed Air India to probe an incident in which one of its pilots allegedly reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two breathalyser tests at Vancouver International Airport, a person familiar with the matter said.

Canadian police conducted the tests after authorities removed the pilot from the aircraft before departure, the source said. Transport Canada termed the episode a “serious matter” in a formal communication to the airline and indicated that enforcement action may follow.

Air India confirmed that its Vancouver–Delhi flight scheduled for December 23 departed after a delay, as the airline deployed an alternate pilot to operate the service. The airline said it had withdrawn the concerned pilot from flying duties pending an internal enquiry.

“Air India follows a zero-tolerance policy for any violation of safety and regulatory norms. Subject to the outcome of the investigation, confirmed violations will invite strict disciplinary action as per company policy,” the airline said in a statement.

According to the source, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to submit the findings of its investigation and outline corrective measures to prevent recurrence by January 26. Transport Canada did not respond to requests for comment outside working hours.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation sector following the June 12 crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that killed 260 people. Since then, India’s aviation regulator has flagged several safety-related issues at Air India, which returned to private ownership under the Tata Group in 2022.

Separately, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently issued warning notices to four Air India pilots, citing serious concerns over regulatory compliance and cockpit decision-making. The notices stated that the pilots operated a Boeing 787 last year despite prior knowledge of repeated technical snags and system degradations.

Air India is jointly owned by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. Further regulatory reviews and enforcement actions remain underway.