A drunk Air India pilot was arrested by the Richmond RCMP after complaints that the pilot stunk of alcohol. On December 23, Richmond RCMP arrested Air India Captain Saurabh Kumar at Vancouver International Airport after he failed a pre-flight alcohol screening. He was removed from command of Flight AI186, a Boeing 777-300ER scheduled to operate from Vancouver to Delhi with an intermediate stop in Vienna, following the screening. The incident was triggered when airport duty-free personnel reported concerns regarding the captain’s condition. This prompted an intervention by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

RICHMOND – A drunk Air India pilot was arrested by the Richmond RCMP after complaints that the pilot stunk of alcohol.

On December 23, Richmond RCMP arrested Air India Captain Saurabh Kumar at Vancouver International Airport after he failed a pre-flight alcohol screening.

He was removed from command of Flight AI186, a Boeing 777-300ER scheduled to operate from Vancouver to Delhi with an intermediate stop in Vienna, following the screening.

The incident was triggered when airport duty-free personnel reported concerns regarding the captain’s condition. This prompted an intervention by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Two breathalyzer tests confirmed the presence of alcohol, rendering him unfit for duty in violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs 602.02 and 602.03).

The flight was delayed for several hours as a result, but did depart safely later that afternoon without further issues.

Police said as the investigation remains ongoing but no further information will be released.

But Transport Canada informed Air India a day after the pilot failed the breathalyser (BA) test and asked it to take “corrective action” under its safety management system “to prevent any such recurrence”. 

Taking a serious view of the matter, AI has sought details of the BA test from Canada, including the level of alcohol found in the test, and has informed DGCA.

“We were advised by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that Captain Saurabh Kumar  reported for duty on Air India Fight AI 186 on Dec 23, 2025, while under the influence of alcohol, and unfit for duty. Two BA tests conducted by the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport confirmed this after he was advised to leave the aircraft. This incident indicates a contravention of Canadian Aviation Regulations by the operator (AI) and the crew member… as well as conditions outlined in Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC 1946) issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). It is likely that enforcement action will be pursued by the RCMP, and by TCCA,” says a Dec 24 letter from Transport Canada to Air India.

One of the conditions in Air India’s FAOC violated is that “foreign air operator shall conduct a safe operation”. The letter adds: “In light of this, we request Air India to: conduct a thorough review and investigation under your safety management system and provide details of corrective actions taken to prevent any such recurrence. Please submit your response by Jan 26, 2026, outlining your findings and measures implemented and/or undertaken,” it adds.

Air India 186 was to be operated by two sets of pilots – a captain and co-pilot in each set – from Vancouver to Vienna. From the Austrian capital, another set would have flown it to Delhi.

“This pilot, who had a layover in Vienna, was reportedly buying alcohol from Vancouver Duty Free… The pilot was boarding from Canada and alighting in Austria, both foreign stations where most probably no BA checks would have been conducted. However a staffer at duty free smelt alcohol on his breath and informed police. Using CCTV, the police traced him to the AI flight,” said sources.

Pilots don’t have alcohol at least 12 hours before flying. “In case someone has not been able to do so, they should refuse to operate a flight on medical grounds. Refusing the flight will save your job, your licence, and your career,” said a senior captain.

In a statement on Wednesday, Air India had said: “AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi on Dec 23, 2025 experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure. Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry.”

“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities. 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. Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy. Safety remains Air India’s highest priority at all times,” the airline statement had added.