An Air India pilot was arrested at Vancouver International Airport last week as he was preparing for a flight, with Transport Canada warning the airline that it could lose its flight authorizations if it did not comply with rules about alcohol consumption.
Transport Canada says the incident took place on Dec. 23, and it will engage with Air India and Indian aviation authorities to ensure “appropriate followup actions” are taken.
Richmond RCMP says the arrest occurred after a “report of concern” involving an airline crew member.
A spokesperson for the airport said the pilot had been preparing for Air India’s scheduled daily flight from Vancouver to Delhi. The flight was delayed for several hours but later departed safely, they added.
Police said an investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released.
Air India did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Transport Canada said in a statement that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India has primary responsibility for regulatory oversight of Air India.
“Transport Canada remains committed to taking immediate and appropriate action should any safety issues be identified,” the Canadian agency said.
The statement said Canadian aviation regulations prohibit pilots or any other crew members from acting within 12 hours of drinking alcohol or while under its influence.
It said airlines could not assign crew who were unfit for duty and non-compliance could result in the suspension or cancellation of an airline’s flight authorizations, as well as judicial and other penalties.
