Drunk Airline Pilot Removed from Plane Right Before Takeoff

A shocking safety scare unfolded in Canada after a pilot scheduled to fly an Air India jet to New Delhi was pulled from the cockpit just moments before takeoff — and later found to be under the influence of alcohol.

Canada’s transport regulator has now ordered Air India to formally investigate the incident, which happened on December 23 at Vancouver International Airport, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The pilot was removed from the flight shortly before departure and subjected to two breathalyzer tests by Canadian police. Both tests reportedly showed the pilot was unfit to fly. Transport Canada labeled the situation a “serious matter” in a letter sent to the airline and is expected to pursue enforcement action.

The flight, which was bound for Delhi, was ultimately delayed while an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the aircraft. Air India confirmed the disruption, saying Canadian authorities had raised concerns about the pilot’s fitness for duty, though the airline did not provide specific details.

“The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry,” Air India said in a statement, stressing that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violations of aviation safety rules. The airline added that strict disciplinary action would follow if the investigation confirms wrongdoing.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 777, a wide-body jet capable of carrying more than 300 passengers on long-haul routes.

Transport Canada has reportedly given Air India until January 26 to submit its findings and explain what steps it is taking to prevent similar incidents in the future. Canadian aviation rules prohibit pilots from operating an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol.

The incident comes at a sensitive time for Air India, which has been under heightened scrutiny following a deadly June crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner that killed 260 people. India’s aviation regulator has since flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline.

Air India, now owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has also faced growing pressure from India’s aviation watchdog. Just this week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued warning notices to four Air India pilots over what it called serious safety concerns related to compliance and decision-making.

Earlier this year, Indian regulators proposed stricter alcohol-testing rules for flight crews, including a potential lifetime license ban after three failed tests.