Air India pilot removed from plane under influence in Canada

Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident of a pilot who was removed from a plane before it was due to take off and found to be under the influence of alcohol, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Two breathalyser tests conducted by Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport showed the pilot was unfit for duty, the person said. The incident was labelled as a “serious matter” by Transport Canada in a letter to Air India and authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action.

The person requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media. In a statement on Saturday, Transport Canada said it would engage with Air India and India’s aviation regulator to ensure “appropriate follow-up actions” are taken.

Air India, in a statement, said the flight from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23 experienced a last-minute delay due to the incident, adding that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight. The airline said Canadian authorities raised concerns about the pilot’s fitness for duty but did not provide details.

“The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. 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.”

Canadian rules state that a pilot cannot operate an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming an alcoholic beverage. Violation of those rules can lead to judicial or administrative enforcement actions, including fines.

The aircraft was a Boeing 777, a model that can seat up to 344 passengers.

The letter from Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26.

Air India has been under intense scrutiny since the June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner killed 260 people. India’s aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline, which was previously owned by the government until 2022.