Air India pilot taken off duty over intoxication allegations in Canada
Canada’s transport regulator called the incident a ‘serious matter’ and demanded answers from the airline amid safety concerns
Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident of a pilot reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol and failing two breathalyser tests, a person familiar with the matter said.
The tests were conducted by Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport after the pilot was asked to leave the aircraft, 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 added.
The person requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media. Transport Canada did not respond to an emailed request for comment outside regular working hours.
In a statement, Air India confirmed the flight from Vancouver to New Delhi on December 23 experienced a last-minute delay due to the incident, adding that another pilot was brought in to operate the flight.
“The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of inquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations,” Air India said.