NEW DELHI, (Reuters): Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident in which a pilot reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two breathalyser tests, a source familiar with the matter said.
The tests were conducted by Canadian authorities at Vancouver International Airport after the pilot was asked to leave the aircraft, the source added. Transport Canada described the matter as “serious” in a letter to Air India, and enforcement action is expected.
The source requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media. Transport Canada did not respond to requests for comment outside regular working hours. Air India confirmed that the flight from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23 was delayed due to the incident, and an alternate pilot operated the flight. “The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the enquiry process. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations,” the airline said. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.” Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to submit its findings and outline steps to prevent similar incidents by January 26, the source said.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation safety following the June 12 Boeing Dreamliner crash that killed 260 people. India’s aviation regulator has noted multiple safety lapses at the airline, formerly government-owned until 2022.
Air India pilots, now under Tata Group and Singapore Airlines ownership, have faced recent warnings from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Warning notices dated December 29 flagged “serious safety concerns” regarding regulatory compliance and flight crew decision-making. The DGCA noted that pilots had accepted a Boeing 787 aircraft for operation last year despite prior knowledge of “repeated snags” and “existing systems degradations,” according to the notices.
