Overview
- Transport Canada, citing the RCMP, said two breathalyser tests at Vancouver on December 23 found the pilot under the influence and unfit for duty.
- The regulator’s letter points to contraventions of CARs 602.02 and 602.03 and a condition of Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate, with enforcement likely by the RCMP and TCCA.
- Air India removed the cockpit crew member from flying duties, launched an internal inquiry, and informed India’s DGCA.
- Reports identify the pilot as Captain Saurabh Kumar, who was detained in Canada and later returned to India.
- Flight AI186 was delayed while an alternate pilot operated the Vancouver–Vienna leg and a fresh crew flew the onward segment to Delhi.