Overview
- Transport Canada’s letter says RCMP administered two breathalyser tests on Dec. 23 at Vancouver International Airport that found the pilot unfit for duty.
- Flight AI186 to Delhi via Vienna departed late after the pilot was offloaded and a replacement was rostered, with a fresh crew taking over in Vienna.
- Officials cited potential breaches of Canadian Aviation Regulations 602.02 and 602.03 and conditions of Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate.
- Air India says the pilot has been removed from flying duties, an internal inquiry is underway, and India’s DGCA has been notified under its zero‑tolerance policy.
- Media reports state the pilot was detained for about two days in Canada and repatriated to India, with criminal or regulatory outcomes still pending.