Sorry for the flight delay: your pilot is drunk

Air India is under scrutiny after one of its pilots reportedly failed to breathalyzer tests and had to be escorted from a long-distance flight before take off. 

Canada's transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate the incident, which occurred at Vancouver International Airport. 

 
The incident was labelled as a "serious matter" by Transport Canada in a letter to Air India and authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action, news agency Reuters reported. 

The incident occurred on Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Vienna, NEWS 18 said. 

In a statement, Air India confirmed the flight from Vancouver via Vienna to Delhi on December 23 experienced a last-minute delay due to the incident, adding that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight.

"The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry," the airline said in a statement. 

"Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. 

"Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy."

The letter from Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26, Reuters said. 

India has been under intense scrutiny since the June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner killed 260 people. India's aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline.