RICHMOND — An Air India pilot was arrested at Vancouver International Airport last week as he was preparing for a flight, with Transport Canada citing alcohol rules in its confirmation of the incident.

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 spokeswoman for the airport says the pilot had been preparing for Air India’s scheduled daily flight from Vancouver to Delhi, which was delayed for several hours but later departed safely.

RCMP say an investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released.

Air India did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while Indian media reported that the pilot had failed a breathalyzer test.

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,” it said.

The statement said Canadian aviation regulations prohibited pilot or any other crew members from acting within 12 hours or 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.

Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 says the Dec. 23 Air India flight from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna was scheduled to depart at 3 p.m. but did not leave YVR until 10:02 p.m.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 2, 2026.

The Canadian Press