Air India Pilot Offloaded In Canada Over Alcohol Concerns Before Vancouver-Delhi Flight

The incident resulted in a delay for passengers on board flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi.

According to a report by India Today, a staffer at the Vancouver airport allegedly saw the pilot "sipping on wine" or buying liquor, following which the employee complained to the authorities, citing “alcohol smell”. In response, a breathalyser test was conducted, which he failed, leading to his removal from the flight.

While Air India did not confirm that the pilot was offloaded due to being drunk, it said that the crew member was taken for further inquiry and an alternative pilot was rostered for the flight.

“Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on 23 December 2025 experienced a last-minute delay 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. In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay,” an Air India spokesperson said.