Air India Pilot Detained in Vancouver Over Smell of Alcohol

An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver International Airport after reportedly smelling of alcohol shortly before he was due to operate a Delhi‑bound flight, resulting in a departure delay last week. The incident occurred on December 23, just ahead of the Christmas travel peak.

According to initial reports, a staff member at a duty‑free store inside the airport alerted Canadian authorities after allegedly observing the pilot consuming alcohol or detecting the smell while he was purchasing it. The pilot was subsequently subjected to a breath analyser test, which he failed, leading to his detention for further questioning.

Air India confirmed the incident, stating that the scheduled flight experienced a last‑minute disruption due to concerns raised by local authorities.

“Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on 23 December 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, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry. In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay,” the airline said in a statement.

The replacement crew allowed the flight to depart after the mandatory procedures were completed. Further action regarding the detained pilot is expected to follow regulatory and company protocols.