Canada(The COW News Digital)An Air India international flight departing from Vancouver, Canada, was delayed after a pilot was removed from duty over suspected intoxication just before takeoff, airline officials and media reports confirmed on Thursday.
The incident occurred as Air India flight AI186 was preparing for departure from Vancouver International Airport. According to international news agencies, a member of the flight crew noticed the pilot purchasing alcohol at the airport and later consuming it prior to boarding the aircraft. The observation raised immediate concerns regarding flight safety.
The matter was promptly reported to airport authorities, who alerted Canadian aviation officials. Upon inspection, officials detected the smell of alcohol on the pilot and conducted a breath analyzer test. The pilot reportedly failed to meet the required aviation safety standards, prompting authorities to intervene.
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Canadian officials deemed the situation a serious risk to passenger safety and took the pilot into custody for further questioning. No further details were immediately released regarding possible legal action, but authorities confirmed that standard procedures were followed in line with aviation safety regulations.
Air India, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, said the airline acted swiftly in accordance with its strict safety policies. A replacement pilot was arranged as soon as the issue was identified. However, the time required to assign and clear the alternate pilot resulted in a delay to the flight.
“The safety and security of our passengers is our top priority,” the airline spokesperson said. “Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward alcohol consumption by crew members while on duty or prior to operating a flight.”
The airline added that a full internal investigation into the incident is underway. Until the investigation is completed and its findings are finalized, the pilot involved has been temporarily suspended from flying duties.
Passengers onboard the affected flight were informed of the reason for the delay and were provided assistance during the waiting period. No passengers were reported to have been harmed, and the flight eventually departed after all safety requirements were met.
Aviation experts note that international aviation rules strictly prohibit pilots from operating aircraft under the influence of alcohol, with mandatory limits set well below those applied to the general public. Violations can lead to severe disciplinary action, including license suspension or termination of employment.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of strict enforcement of aviation safety standards worldwide. Authorities and airline officials emphasized that prompt action by crew members and airport staff played a critical role in preventing a potentially dangerous situation.
