Air India Pilot Detained at Vancouver Airport Over Alcohol Concerns

Incident at Vancouver Airport

Last week, an Air India pilot was taken into custody at Vancouver Airport after authorities detected a strong smell of alcohol just before boarding the flight, causing a delay in takeoff. The pilot was scheduled to operate a flight to Delhi.

Airline's Response

On Friday, Air India confirmed that a pilot was removed from the aircraft shortly before takeoff due to concerns regarding his fitness for duty. This incident occurred on December 23, and the pilot was assigned to operate flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi.

Pilot's Identification and Testing

The pilot has been identified as Captain Saurabh Kumar, who failed a breathalyzer test and was subsequently relieved of flying duties during the investigation. The airline apologized to passengers for the delay and stated that it is cooperating fully with local authorities.

Safety Protocols Followed

Air India stated, "Canadian authorities expressed concerns about the pilot's fitness for duty, leading to the crew member being taken for further questioning. An alternate pilot was added to the roster to operate the flight, which resulted in the delay."

Investigation by Canadian Authorities

Canadian officials have called for an investigation after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) claimed the pilot was under the influence of alcohol. They confirmed this through two breathalyzer tests conducted at Vancouver International Airport before he was advised to leave the aircraft.

Transport Canada Involvement

Transport Canada indicated that this incident violates Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), specifically sections 602.02 and 602.03. They noted that enforcement actions may be taken by the RCMP and TCCA.

DGCA Issues Notice

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also issued a show-cause notice to the pilot. They stated, "It has been observed that during the operation of flight AI-358 (and related operations of AI-357), serious safety concerns arose regarding aircraft dispatch, minimum equipment list (MEL) compliance, and decision-making by the flight crew."