Air India Pilot Detained at Vancouver Airport Over Alcohol Concern, Flight AI186 Delayed

January 1, 2026 at 06:06 AM•3 min read

Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on December 23, 2025, after failing a pre-flight breathalyzer test, delaying Flight AI186 to Delhi.

Key Points

1Air India pilot was offloaded from Flight AI186 (Vancouver to Delhi) on December 23, 2025, after failing a breathalyzer test.
2The incident, reported by a duty-free staffer, led to a two-hour delay for the ultra-long-haul Boeing 777 service.
3Air India has grounded the pilot and is cooperating with Canadian authorities, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy which can lead to immediate termination for alcohol violations.
4India's DGCA is also investigating the matter, upholding its strict 'zero alcohol' rule and tiered penalty system for crew members.

The commercial aviation sector is again focusing on crew fitness standards following a high-profile incident. An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on December 23, 2025. The detention occurred just before the scheduled departure of Air India Flight AI186 to Delhi via Vienna.

Canadian authorities intervened after concerns were raised about the pilot’s fitness for duty. Reports indicate a staff member at a duty-free store alerted officials to the pilot allegedly smelling of alcohol.

Following the alert, Canadian authorities conducted a breathalyzer test. The pilot reportedly failed this pre-flight alcohol test and was subsequently detained for further inquiry.

Operational Impact and Airline Response

This last-minute incident caused a significant delay for the ultra-long-haul flight. The Boeing 777 aircraft was scheduled to depart at 3 p.m. local time.

Air India quickly rostered an alternate pilot to operate the flight. This action, following safety protocols, minimized disruption for passengers. The flight eventually departed with a delay of approximately two hours.

Air India issued a statement confirming the offloading of a cockpit crew member. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to its passengers. Air India also confirmed it is fully cooperating with the local Canadian authorities.

Strict Disciplinary Action

The airline has taken a stern view of the matter. The pilot has been immediately taken off all flying duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any violation of safety rules. The airline’s policy is stricter than the regulator’s minimum standard. Air India has warned of immediate termination for pilots who test positive for alcohol.

Regulatory Oversight and Industry Standards

The incident has been reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Indian aviation regulator is also probing the matter.

India maintains some of the world's strictest aviation safety regulations. DGCA Rule 24 prohibits crew from consuming alcohol within 12 hours of a flight. The rule mandates a zero alcohol level in the blood before flying.

First Offense: DGCA rules mandate a three-month suspension of the pilot’s license.
Second Offense: This results in a three-year suspension.
Third Offense: This leads to permanent revocation of the license.

Air India’s internal policy is even more stringent. It calls for immediate termination if a pilot's blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds 0.02 grams per 210 liters of breath.

This event highlights the global commitment to pilot fitness for duty. It underscores the importance of rigorous pre-flight testing. Such incidents remind all stakeholders about the critical nature of aviation safety regulations for every flight. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. The DGCA has recently increased random testing requirements for all airlines. This ensures compliance across the industry. Airlines like Air India must consistently enforce these rules to uphold public trust.