Canadian aviation authorities have requested that Air India investigate an incident at Vancouver International Airport, where a pilot was removed from an aircraft just before takeoff after being found to be under the influence of alcohol. The case, deemed serious by the Canadian regulator, once again places the airline under international scrutiny regarding operational safety.
Breathalyzer Tests and Authorities’ Actions
According to a source familiar with the matter, two breathalyzer tests conducted by Canadian police in Vancouver confirmed that the crew member was not fit to perform his duties. The North American country’s transport regulator described the episode as a “serious matter” in a letter sent to the company and indicated that compliance measures could be taken.
The person providing the information requested anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak to the media. Transport Canada did not respond to a request for comment sent outside of regular business hours.
Air India’s Response
In a statement, Air India explained that the scheduled flight between Vancouver and Delhi experienced a last-minute delay on December 23 due to this incident. The airline stated that another commander was designated to operate the route, thereby ensuring service continuity.
According to the company, Canadian authorities expressed concerns about the pilot’s fitness for duty, although they did not offer additional details. The professional was removed from his duties while the internal investigation process is underway.
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Zero-Tolerance Policy and Possible Sanctions
Air India reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any infringement of applicable rules and regulations. The company stated that, once the investigation is concluded, any confirmed violation will result in strict disciplinary actions in accordance with its corporate procedures.
Involved Aircraft and Regulator’s Requirements
The aircraft assigned to the flight was a Boeing 777, a model capable of carrying up to 344 passengers, according to airline data. In the letter, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen requested that Air India submit its findings and detail the measures taken to prevent future episodes before January 26.
Air India Under Increasing International Scrutiny
The airline is going through a period of intense supervision since the accident on June 12, when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed, killing 260 people. Since then, India’s aviation regulator has pointed out multiple deficiencies in the company’s safety standards. The airline was state-owned until 2022.
The pilots of the operator, currently owned by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, have also been under scrutiny. This same week, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation sent warning notices to four crew members, citing “serious safety concerns” related to regulatory compliance and cockpit decision-making.
Warnings from the Indian Regulator and New Proposed Rules
According to notifications dated December 29 and reviewed by Reuters, the pilots agreed to operate an aircraft last year despite being aware of “repeated failures” and “system degradations.” The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787 used on long-haul routes.
Earlier this year, the Indian authority proposed tightening alcohol control rules for crews, including a measure that would entail the permanent revocation of a license after three positive test results. Current regulations require post-flight alcohol tests at the first point of landing within India.
Canadian Regulations on Alcohol Consumption
Rules in Canada state that a pilot may not operate an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming an alcoholic beverage. This regulatory framework was key to the immediate action by authorities in Vancouver and the subsequent investigation request directed at Air India.
The case underscores the importance of strict controls in commercial aviation and reinforces the global debate on flight safety and the responsibility of airlines and crews in operating international flights.
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