Air India pilot detained in Vancouver over alcohol smell, Delhi-bound flight delayed
Vancouver: An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver airport in Canada last week after authorities flagged concerns over his fitness to operate a flight, reportedly after he smelled of alcohol shortly before departure.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the episode occurred on December 23, just days ahead of Christmas.
According to Indian media, a staff member at an airport duty-free store alerted Canadian authorities after seeing the pilot consume alcohol or noticing the smell while he was purchasing it. The pilot was later subjected to a breathalyser test, which he reportedly failed, following which he was detained.
In an official statement, Air India said the pilot was offloaded after Canadian authorities raised concerns about his fitness for duty.
