Representational photo NEW DELHI: Air India on Thursday said it regretted the incident after one of its pilots on a Vancouver–Delhi flight on December 23 was found to be under the influence of alcohol by Canadian authorities.Flight AI186 was delayed at Vancouver airport after the cockpit crew member was offloaded ahead of departure. In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said Canadian authorities had flagged the issue, after which the pilot was taken for further inquiry.“In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities,” the airline said.The spokesperson added that the pilot had been taken off flying duties during the enquiry and that strict action would follow if any violation was confirmed. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy,” the statement said.Air India reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy on violations and said safety remains its highest priority.The incident came to light after Transport Canada informed Air India that the pilot had failed a breathalyser test before operating the flight. In a letter dated December 24, Transport Canada said the incident amounted to a violation of Canadian aviation regulations and conditions laid down in Air India’s foreign air operator certificate.It further asked Air India to conduct a detailed investigation under its safety management system and submit a report on corrective steps taken by January 26, 2026. It also said enforcement action could be pursued by Canadian authorities.The flight was operating a long-haul route that now includes a refuelling stop due to Pakistan airspace restrictions. AI186 was scheduled to fly from Vancouver to Vienna with one set of pilots, before another crew took over for the Vienna–Delhi leg.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh Jamaat Signals Unity Rule With BNP Ahead Of Polls, Pushes Back On India Meeting ClaimsAfter Indus Treaty Setback India Clears Chenab Hydropower Project Triggering Fresh Panic In PakistanAnother Hindu Targeted In Bangladesh, Wife Alleges Trader Hacked And Burned Alive On Road HomeCongress Leader Nana Patole’s ‘Rahul Like Ram’ Remark Sparks Row; BJP Hits BackWest Bengal SIR Brings Home A Man Presumed Dead For 28 Years In UP’s MuzaffarnagarIndia And Pakistan Exchange List Of Nuclear Installations Under 1988 Agreement‘Vote Theft In Bengal’: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Slams ECI Over SIR, BJP Fires Back180 Kmph While You Sleep! India’s Latest Vande Bharat Sleeper Marks New Era. Check Fares, FeaturesBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in BangladeshRajnath Singh Links Lord Ram’s Ethics To Operation Sindoor, Says India Fought Terror With Dignity123Photostories5 Indian home remedies to beat a hangoverBaby names inspired by light, hope, and happiness9 Things you must do on full moon night 2026 Based on your birth date5 evening habits highly lucky people never skip8 vegetables with the highest amount of magnesium7 plants believed to attract luck and positive energy into your home as per Vastu’Avengers: Doomsday’, ‘The Odyssey’, ‘Dune Part Three’: Hollywood’s biggest films releasing in 2026Robin Sharma reveals 7 winning habits to adopt in 20265 denim trends for 2026 that are actually worth the hypeHow to make Banana Almond Cake in a pressure cooker123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant

Representational photo NEW DELHI: Air India on Thursday said it regretted the incident after one of its pilots on a Vancouver–Delhi flight on December 23 was found to be under the influence of alcohol by Canadian authorities.Flight AI186 was delayed at Vancouver airport after the cockpit crew member was offloaded ahead of departure. In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said Canadian authorities had flagged the issue, after which the pilot was taken for further inquiry.“In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities,” the airline said.The spokesperson added that the pilot had been taken off flying duties during the enquiry and that strict action would follow if any violation was confirmed. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy,” the statement said.Air India reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy on violations and said safety remains its highest priority.The incident came to light after Transport Canada informed Air India that the pilot had failed a breathalyser test before operating the flight. In a letter dated December 24, Transport Canada said the incident amounted to a violation of Canadian aviation regulations and conditions laid down in Air India’s foreign air operator certificate.It further asked Air India to conduct a detailed investigation under its safety management system and submit a report on corrective steps taken by January 26, 2026. It also said enforcement action could be pursued by Canadian authorities.The flight was operating a long-haul route that now includes a refuelling stop due to Pakistan airspace restrictions. AI186 was scheduled to fly from Vancouver to Vienna with one set of pilots, before another crew took over for the Vienna–Delhi leg.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh Jamaat Signals Unity Rule With BNP Ahead Of Polls, Pushes Back On India Meeting ClaimsAfter Indus Treaty Setback India Clears Chenab Hydropower Project Triggering Fresh Panic In PakistanAnother Hindu Targeted In Bangladesh, Wife Alleges Trader Hacked And Burned Alive On Road HomeCongress Leader Nana Patole’s ‘Rahul Like Ram’ Remark Sparks Row; BJP Hits BackWest Bengal SIR Brings Home A Man Presumed Dead For 28 Years In UP’s MuzaffarnagarIndia And Pakistan Exchange List Of Nuclear Installations Under 1988 Agreement‘Vote Theft In Bengal’: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Slams ECI Over SIR, BJP Fires Back180 Kmph While You Sleep! India’s Latest Vande Bharat Sleeper Marks New Era. Check Fares, FeaturesBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in BangladeshRajnath Singh Links Lord Ram’s Ethics To Operation Sindoor, Says India Fought Terror With Dignity123Photostories5 Indian home remedies to beat a hangoverBaby names inspired by light, hope, and happiness9 Things you must do on full moon night 2026 Based on your birth date5 evening habits highly lucky people never skip8 vegetables with the highest amount of magnesium7 plants believed to attract luck and positive energy into your home as per Vastu’Avengers: Doomsday’, ‘The Odyssey’, ‘Dune Part Three’: Hollywood’s biggest films releasing in 2026Robin Sharma reveals 7 winning habits to adopt in 20265 denim trends for 2026 that are actually worth the hypeHow to make Banana Almond Cake in a pressure cooker123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant


'Regret incident': Air India issues statement after pilot found drunk on Vancouver–Delhi flight; initiates probe

NEW DELHI: Air India on Thursday said it regretted the incident after one of its pilots on a Vancouver–Delhi flight on December 23 was found to be under the influence of alcohol by Canadian authorities.Flight AI186 was delayed at Vancouver airport after the cockpit crew member was offloaded ahead of departure. In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said Canadian authorities had flagged the issue, after which the pilot was taken for further inquiry.“In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities,” the airline said.The spokesperson added that the pilot had been taken off flying duties during the enquiry and that strict action would follow if any violation was confirmed. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy,” the statement said.Air India reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy on violations and said safety remains its highest priority.The incident came to light after Transport Canada informed Air India that the pilot had failed a breathalyser test before operating the flight. In a letter dated December 24, Transport Canada said the incident amounted to a violation of Canadian aviation regulations and conditions laid down in Air India’s foreign air operator certificate.It further asked Air India to conduct a detailed investigation under its safety management system and submit a report on corrective steps taken by January 26, 2026. It also said enforcement action could be pursued by Canadian authorities.The flight was operating a long-haul route that now includes a refuelling stop due to Pakistan airspace restrictions. AI186 was scheduled to fly from Vancouver to Vienna with one set of pilots, before another crew took over for the Vienna–Delhi leg.



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