Cops: Pilot Shows Up at Airport Too Drunk to Fly

An Air India flight departing from Canada was delayed last month after authorities determined that one of the pilots was too intoxicated to fly, according to Reuters. Police at Vancouver International Airport said the pilot, whose identity was not released, failed two breathalyzer tests ahead of the Boeing 777’s scheduled departure to New Delhi on Dec. 23 and was deemed unfit for duty.

While officials did not disclose the specific test results, Air India was forced to bring in a replacement pilot before the flight could proceed. Canadian aviation regulations prohibit pilots from consuming alcohol within 12 hours of a flight.

“The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry,” Air India said in a statement reported by the Hindustan Times. “Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations.”

The incident comes at a sensitive moment for the airline, which is still facing scrutiny following a fatal Boeing Dreamliner crash in June that killed 260 people. Separately, Indian aviation authorities are considering stricter alcohol-testing rules for flight crews, including a proposal that could permanently revoke a pilot’s license after three failed tests.

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