Canada’s transport regulator demands an Air India investigation after a pilot failed two breathalyser tests in Vancouver, delaying a Delhi-bound flight.
NEW DELHI: Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident where a pilot reported for duty under the influence of alcohol. The pilot failed two breathalyser tests administered by Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport.
The individual was asked to leave the aircraft, causing a last-minute delay to a December 23 flight from Vancouver to Delhi. An alternate pilot was brought in to operate the service.
In a statement, Air India confirmed the delay and said the pilot has been taken off flying duties pending an enquiry. The airline maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules.
“Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy,” Air India said.
Transport Canada labelled the incident a “serious matter” in a letter to the airline. Authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The letter from Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of preventive steps by January 26. The source requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.
The incident occurs amid intense scrutiny of Indian aviation safety. This follows a fatal Boeing Dreamliner crash in June that killed 260 people.
India’s aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at Air India. The airline was previously government-owned until 2022 and is now owned by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.
This week, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation sent warning notices to four other Air India pilots. The notices flagged “serious safety concerns” related to regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making.
The DGCA said those pilots accepted a Boeing 787 for operation last year despite prior knowledge of “repeated snags”. The aircraft is used for long-haul flights, according to flight tracking data.
