An Air India pilot was arrested at Vancouver International Airport during the holiday travel rush, and some concerning details have come out in relation to the arrest.
According to Richmond RCMP, the pilot was arrested on Dec. 23.
“On Dec. 23, 2025, Richmond RCMP arrested an airline pilot at Vancouver International Airport following a report of concern involving a crew member preparing to report for duty,” Richmond RCMP said in an email.
“The flight was delayed for several hours as a result, but did depart safely later that afternoon without further issues,” it added.
While Richmond RCMP were unable to share more details, Transport Canada and a YVR spokesperson were able to offer more information.
“YVR can confirm that on Dec. 23, RCMP responded to a concern pertaining to an Air India crew member ahead of the airline’s scheduled daily flight from Vancouver to Delhi,” a YVR spokesperson told Daily Hive.
YVR added, “Any further questions should be directed to RCMP, Transport Canada, or Air India.”
“Transport Canada is aware of the incident involving an Air India pilot on Dec. 23, 2025, and will continue to engage with Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India to ensure appropriate follow-up actions are taken. DGCA India, as the State of the Operator, retains primary responsibility for regulatory oversight of Air India,” Transport Canada shared in an email to Daily Hive.
Transport Canada’s email cited rules around being impaired. Transport Canada said that section 602.03 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations prohibits pilots and crew members from acting within 12 hours after consuming an alcoholic beverage.
It also says that pilots or any crew members cannot act while under the influence of alcohol or “while using any drug that impairs the person’s faculties to the extent that the safety of the aircraft or of persons on board is endangered in any way.”
Daily Hive has contacted Air India for more information.
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