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Canada seeks action over Air India pilot conduct
Captain Saurabh Kumar was detained after he was reportedly found to smell of alcohol shortly before boarding the flight, resulting in a delay to the departure.
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Rwittika Chakraborty
- Fri, 02, Jan 2026
- 01:18 EST
- 15
Transport Canada has submitted an official letter to Air India regarding a complaint by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleging that an Air India captain Saurabh Kumar was found to be under the influence of alcohol before a flight on Dec. 23, 2025, at Vancouver airport.
In the letter dated Dec. 24, 2025, and addressed to Air India, Transport Canada said the incident occurred on Flight AI186 from Vancouver (CYVR) to Vienna (LOWW). The RCMP informed authorities that Air India Captain Kumar reported for duty while under the influence of alcohol and was unfit for duty.
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“Two breathalyzer tests conducted by the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport confirmed this, after he was advised to leave the aircraft,” the letter said.
Captain Kumar was detained after he was reportedly found to smell of alcohol shortly before boarding the flight, resulting in a delay to the departure.
A duty-free store staff member reportedly alerted Canadian authorities after noticing the smell of alcohol or seeing the pilot consuming alcohol.
Transport Canada said in its letter that the incident constituted a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), including breaches of CARs 602.02 and 602.03, as well as conditions outlined in Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC).
The Canadian aviation authority has asked Air India to take corrective measures and submit its response by Jan. 26, detailing the findings of the requested investigation and the steps taken.
In a statement issued Dec. 31, Air India addressed the incident and expressed regret, stating that the pilot has been suspended from flying duties during the inquiry.
Air India added that safety is its highest priority and said it has a zero-tolerance policy toward any violation of applicable rules and regulations, assuring that any confirmed violation following the investigation would result in strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.
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