Air India Pilot Suspected of Alcohol Use: Grounded in Vancouver Before Flight
An unusual incident occurred before an Air India flight from Vancouver, Canada to Delhi. A pilot preparing for the Delhi-bound flight was removed from duty by airport authorities over suspicion of alcohol consumption.
Store Staff Raised the Alarm
The event took place on December 23, when a duty-free store employee at Vancouver Airport reported suspicions that the pilot had consumed alcohol. Following the report, Canadian security authorities conducted a breathalyzer test. After the test results came back positive, the pilot was removed from the flight in accordance with safety protocols.
Flight Delayed
Air India confirmed that the flight departed approximately two hours late. The airline stated that a reserve pilot was assigned to ensure operational safety standards and that local authorities were coordinated with to minimize passenger inconvenience.
Potential License Consequences
Under aviation regulations, crew members who fail alcohol tests may face serious penalties, including suspension or revocation of their license. The pilot in question has been suspended from flying until the investigation is completed, and the incident has been reported to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
