by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 9:30 AM ET, Fri January 2, 2026
The Canadian government is requiring Air India to submit a detailed “corrective action” plan following a safety incident with one of its pilots at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). On Dec. 23, 2025 an Air India pilot, who had been scheduled to fly from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna was removed from the plane under the suspicion he was under the influence of alcohol. RCMP conducted two Breathalyzer tests and the pilot was deemed unfit for duty.
According to Aviation Today, a worker at a duty-free shop reported concerns after smelling alcohol on the pilot’s breath or seeing him drink.
In Canada, a pilot is prohibited by law from operating an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming an alcoholic beverage.
The flight was delayed while the pilot was investigated and an alternate pilot brought in to operate the flight.
In a statement shared by Reuters, Air India indicated the pilot will not be working while they look into the matter. "The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations," Air India said.
"Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy."
Transport Canada has issued a formal request that the airline investigate the incident under the Safety Management System, and submit an action report by Jan. 26, 2026.
The regulator indicated that enforcement action by both the RCMP and the Transport Canada Civil Aviation is likely as the review progresses, according to the report from Aviation Today.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation had proposed tightening the rules regarding alcohol testing for crew members, reports Reuters, including introducing a rule that would have a pilot lose their license permanently after three positive tests. Current rules require post-flight breath-analyzer examinations for each trip to be carried out at the first port of landing in India.
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