🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Air India Pilot Offloaded in Vancouver After Failing Alcohol Test
An Air India long-haul flight from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna was delayed on Tuesday after a cockpit crew member was offloaded moments before departure following concerns over alcohol consumption.
The pilot, scheduled to operate AI 186, was reported by a duty-free staffer at Vancouver airport to Canadian authorities. According to sources, the staffer either saw the pilot inadvertently sip wine being offered at the duty-free counter or noticed the smell of alcohol while he was purchasing a bottle. Authorities conducted a breath analyser test, which the pilot reportedly failed.
Canadian officials used CCTV footage to identify the individual and traced him to the aircraft shortly before departure.
✈️ Flight Operated With Replacement Crew
To ensure passenger safety, Air India swiftly arranged a replacement pilot. The Boeing 777 flight, operated on an ultra long-haul rotation requiring four pilots in two shifts, departed around two hours late and continued its journey as planned, landing in Vienna before proceeding to Delhi with another set of crew.
🛑 Airline Takes Stern Action
Sources confirmed that the pilot was flown back to Delhi a few days later and has been taken off flying duties pending investigation. The incident has been formally reported to the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is now examining the matter.
🗣️ Air India Statement
In an official statement, Air India said:
“AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23, 2025, experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure. Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty. In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered.”
The airline added that it follows a zero-tolerance policy toward violations and that strict disciplinary action will be taken if wrongdoing is confirmed.
🍷 Alcohol Testing Rules Explained
Pilots operating international sectors are generally not required to undergo pre-flight breath analyser tests, as alcohol is served onboard. Instead, tests are typically conducted upon arrival to ensure no alcohol was consumed during the flight. On domestic routes within India, pre-flight BA tests are mandatory.
Air India, however, has independently enforced random pre-flight alcohol tests at international stations, often deploying its own medical teams abroad.
🧴 Pilots Raise Concerns
Senior pilots expressed surprise at the incident, noting that many avoid even aftershaves, perfumes, mouthwash, or homeopathic medicines before flights due to the risk of trace alcohol triggering a failed test.
Under aviation rules, failing a breath analyser test three times can result in permanent loss of a flying licence, making compliance critical.