Toronto: Canadian aviation authorities have raised serious safety concerns involving Air India following a complaint filed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which alleged that an Air India captain reported for duty under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver airport.

In a letter dated December 24, 2025, and addressed to senior officials at Air India, Transport Canada said the incident took place on Flight AI186 operating from Vancouver (CYVR) to Vienna (LOWW) on December 23, 2025.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) informed authorities that "Captain Saurabh Kumar reported for duty on Air India flight AI186 on December 23, 2025, while under the influence of alcohol, and unfit for duty".

The letter further states, "Two breathalyser tests conducted by the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport confirmed this, after he was advised to leave the aircraft."

Transport Canada stated that the incident constitutes a breach of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). It said the matter involves violations of CARs 602.02 and 602.03, along with conditions specified under Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC).

Transport Canada added, "It is likely that enforcement action will be pursued by the RCMP, and by TCCA."

Transport Canada has directed Air India to initiate corrective measures in response to the incident. Air India has been asked to submit a detailed reply by January 26, outlining its findings and the steps taken following the episode.

A day earlier, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show-cause notice to an Air India pilot amid safety concerns on flights AI-358 and AI-357, pertaining to aircraft dispatch, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) compliance, and flight crew decision-making.DGCA, in its notice, said that the pilot accepted the aircraft despite repeated snags and system degradation.

The civil aviation authority noted that there was a smell of smoke reported near a door in the AI-358 flight.

DGCA in the show cause notice said, "Whereas, it has been observed that M/s Air India Limited, during the operation of Flight AI-358 (and related operations of AI-357), serious safety concerns arose pertaining to aircraft dispatch, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) compliance, and flight crew decision-making."

ANI