Transport Canada warns Air India on drinking rules after pilot’s Vancouver arrest

An Air India pilot was offloaded from a plane and arrested at Vancouver International Airport last week, with Transport Canada warning the airline that it faced loss of its flight authorizations if it did not comply with rules about alcohol consumption.

Transport Canada said in a statement that the incident took place on Dec. 23, and it would engage with Air India and Indian aviation authorities to ensure “appropriate followup actions” were taken.

Richmond RCMP said the arrest occurred after a “report of concern” involving an airline crew member.

Police said an investigation is ongoing and no further information would be released.

A spokeswoman for the airport said the pilot had been preparing for Air India’s scheduled daily flight from Vancouver to Delhi, which was delayed for several hours but later departed safely.

An Air India spokesperson said in an email that the flight was delayed “after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure.”

“Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry,” the statement said.

“In accordance with safety protocols, an alternative pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay.”

The airline said it is fully cooperating with local authorities and the pilot has been taken off flying duties during the investigation.

“Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy,” the statement said.

Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 shows that the Dec. 23 Air India flight from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna was scheduled to depart at 3 p.m. but did not leave YVR until 10:02 p.m.

Indian media reported that the pilot had failed a breathalyzer test.

Transport Canada said in its statement that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India had primary responsibility for regulatory oversight of Air India.

“Transport Canada remains committed to taking immediate and appropriate action should any safety issues be identified,” it said.

The statement said Canadian aviation regulations prohibited pilots or any other crew members from acting within 12 hours of drinking alcohol or while under its influence.

It said airlines could not assign crew who were unfit for duty.

“Non-compliance with these regulations may result in the suspension or cancellation of a Canadian Aviation Document under the Aeronautics Act,” it said.

Airlines could also face judicial and other penalties, the statement said.

“The safety and security of the travelling public and the transportation system is Transport Canada’s top priority,” it said.

In June, an Air India plane bound for London crashed in a residential area of Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff Thursday, killing 241 people on board.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 2, 2026.

Nono Shen and Chuck Chiang, The Canadian Press