The incident took place on December 23, 2025, involving Air India flight AI186, Indian media confirm
VANCOUVER: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Jan 2nd, 2025) An Air India pilot was removed from duty and offloaded from a scheduled flight at Vancouver International Airport after being suspected of intoxication shortly before take-off, the Canadian authorities confirmed.
The Indian media reported that the incident took place on December 23, 2025, involving Air India flight AI186.
A member of the airline’s ground staff reportedly observed the pilot either consuming alcohol or purchasing it at the airport and subsequently alerted airport authorities.
Officials said the pilot was subjected to a breathalyser test after a suspicious smell was detected. The pilot failed the test, prompting concerns over flight safety. Canadian authorities then took the pilot into custody for further investigation.
In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said that, in accordance with strict aviation safety regulations, an alternate pilot was immediately assigned to operate the flight.
However, the replacement process resulted in a delay.
Air India confirmed that the pilot has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation, reiterating that passenger safety remains the airline’s top priority.
