Another SHOCKER from Air India? Pilot fails smell test, detained over intoxication allegations in Canada’s Vancouver; airline says, ‘zero-tolerance…’

In a shocking incident, an Air India pilot was detained in Vancouver, Canada, over alleged drunkenness. According to reports, he smelled of alcohol before boarding the flight, which was planned to go to Delhi via Vienna.

Here’s what happened

A staff member at Vancouver airport’s duty-free shop became suspicious of the Air India pilot after allegedly seeing the pilot sipping wine offered as part of holiday promotions or noticing the smell of alcohol when purchasing a bottle. The staff took quick action and informed Canadian authorities. Authorities administered a breath analyzer test to the Boeing 777 pilot, but he failed and was later taken into custody.

For this reason, the flight was delayed for more than two years. It is an ‘ultra-long-haul’ flight from Vacouver to Delhi via Vienna, operated by four pilots working in shifts. Officials quickly arranged for a new cockpit crew member. The plane left Vancouver around 3pm local time, landed in Vienna as planned, and was then flown to Delhi by another group of pilots.

Air India’s statement

“On December 23, 2025, flight AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew was evacuated before takeoff. Canadian authorities raised concerns about the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken in for further investigation. As per safety protocols, a standby pilot was assigned to operate the flight, resulting in the delay,” Air India said in a statement.

“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is cooperating fully with the local authorities. The pilot has been removed from flying duties pending the investigation process. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any violation of applicable rules and regulations. Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will be subject to strict disciplinary action in line with company policy. Safety remains Air India’s highest priority at all times,” the airline said in a statement.