- By Shubham Bajpai
- Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Transport Canada (TC), the Country's transport regulator, has asked Air India to investigate an incident where a pilot was found reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two breathalyzer tests.
News agency Reuters cited people familiar with the matter saying that the airline was asked to probe the matter after tests confirmed the influence of alcohol. The tests were conducted by Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport, and the pilot was asked to leave the
aircraft thereafter.
In a letter to Air India, TC termed the incident a "serious matter" and added that authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action.
The airline issued a statement confirming the December 23 flight to Delhi experienced a last-minute delay because of the incident. An alternate pilot was later brought in to operate the flight.
"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," it added.
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Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has, in his letter to Air India, has asked the airline to provide its findings and details of steps taken by January 26 to prevent such future occurrences.
Since the June 12 Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, India has been under intense scrutiny. From India's aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, stringent measures have been taken to prevent any untoward situation.
Soon after the crash, DGCA had flagged multiple issues and "serious safety concerns" related to regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making.
(With Reuters Inputs)