Air India pulls pilot off duty over ‘fitness’ concern before Vancouver-Delhi flight, warns of ‘strict action’ if guilty

Air India released a statement after one of its pilots was detained in Vancouver, Canada, after he allegedly smelled of alcohol prior to operating a flight. In its first remarks addressing the incident, Air India said that the crew member was offloaded, which led to a delay in the flight’s departure.

The airline added that an investigation has been launched after the Canadian authorities raised concerns over the pilot’s fitness to operate the flight.